Every year around this time, the men of our church gather with men from a few other churches for a retreat centered on growing our men in godliness and equipping them for ministry in their homes, churches, and the world. There are significant times of teaching and several recreational aspects that culminate, at least for me, in campfire conversations late into the night (or morning).
I have thoroughly benefitted from the teaching sessions and have enjoyed the recreation with my brothers as well, but the most significant time of the entire weekend is the conversation had around those campfires.
The following article is part of a series on “Practical Ministry: The Work of All the Saints.” You can find the original introduction here, as well as a longer intro with a preview of the articles here.
Conversation as Ministry
The last article focused on an easily overlooked and much less than groundbreaking ministry: presence. Sometimes, it is enough to simply be present. Rather than be miserable comforters like Job’s buddies (Job 16:2), we merely need to be present with our brothers and sisters in their time of need. Other times, however, we may have to say something. And our words do not need to be profound to make a deep impact.
Those campfire conversations I mentioned above can range from digging deep into the teaching sessions and thinking through how we apply them to our everyday lives to shared interests. But a bond is being forged either way. You never know where one of those conversations will go, and they often take unexpected turns, but the result is a knowledge of each other that helps us minister to each other when the retreat is over, and we are back to reality. I still remember conversations from a few years back that have been formative for me in my walk. I have heard the same from others.
What is it about those moments? What is it that sticks with us? Each moment has its uniqueness, but they all share a common thread. We were engaging one another in conversation, and by so doing, we were becoming more deeply acquainted with each other’s strengths and struggles, things we would not have known otherwise.
Encouragement for Today
Maybe you don’t have the opportunity to get away like that with others. Perhaps you are an introvert, and conversations are like landmines you would rather avoid. I can relate to that feeling. But I want to encourage you to see that there is ministry work to be done that will not happen if we keep to ourselves.
You do not need big words or an extensive theological vocabulary to make a meaningful impact on someone through conversation. Something as simple as expressing interest in someone’s day-to-day could be more love and encouragement than they would have received otherwise. This practical ministry opportunity does not require a call to formal ministry or any ministry training. It is not revolutionary, and it is not always easy. But it is practical. And, at times, it will minister to you as well.
If conversation is something that you find difficult because you are introverted and socially awkward, join the club! You may be encouraged to find that there are more of your people and tribe than you imagined.
If you find conversation second nature, engage those who may not share your comfort. Be kind. Be patient. Be present. Be a conversation starter and grow your curiosity for the concern of others. This is a practical ministry indeed.
Coram Deo.
Other Articles in the Series:
“Practical Ministry”—a brief introduction to the ‘why’ of this series.
“Practical Ministry: The Work of All the Saints”—a necessary word on purpose and introduction to forthcoming articles in the series.
“Practical Ministry: Prayer”—When "I wish I could do more" underestimates the importance of prayer.
“Practical Ministry: Presence”—When words fail and our greatest ability is availability.