The Ministry Of Showing Up

Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a  joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

     I don't know exactly what to call it, but I know it when I see it. The people who do it are invaluable. What they do makes all other ministries work. They may never teach, lead a song, or preach a sermon, but their ministry is life and church transforming. 

     Maybe this one ministry shouldn't be so important, but after spending the morning with a group of pastors it is clear that it is. And the funny thing is the people who do it probably don't have any idea what a source of strength and encouragement they are. 

     Sunday School after Sunday School, worship service after worship service, home group after home group, discipleship group after discipleship group, event after event they show up. That's what I call this ministry. It is the ministry of showing up. They suit up, and they show up, even when it's tough to put up or shut up. Superstar athletes are exciting, but only if they show up for the game.  You can only win the game with those who show up. 

     I've had the privilege of pastoring the same church for a long time. I've seen many come and go. I've seen many get hot and grow cold. I've also seen those who have been here, come here, and stayed here. Forgive me for not saying thank you enough to those of you who continue to be part of the ministry of showing up. THANK YOU!!!  I don't think you know how much encouragement your faithfulness to this church is.