Reaching Out to Others: Friends and Ministry
Ministry seems to be the hardest area for Christian families to balance. After all, we are called to ‘go out into all the world,’ sharing the good news of Christ. There are many worthy causes that seek our attention. But when it comes to deciding which to follow, the goal should be to eliminate and concentrate.
“Jesus understood what is meant to prioritize and to balance,” says Swenson (M.D., author of The Overload Syndrome). “It’s okay to have limits. It is okay not to be all things to all people all of the time all by ourselves. At any given moment, the most important thing in life is the person standing in front of us.”
“You want to manage your time? Eliminate clutter and concentrate on your goals. You want to disciple? Eliminate crowds and concentrate on a few people,” says Anne Ortlund, author of Disciplines of a Beautiful Woman (Word). And if I could add one thing to Ortlund’s words it would be: “You want to make a lasting impact on your children and your world? Reach out to others as a family.”
For many years my husband and I struggled with balancing numerous church commitments. He was on the building committee, financial committee, and was involved in different men’s groups. I, on the other hand, assisted with children’s church, taught Sunday school, and led Bible Studies. We were heading in two different directions and our children were forced to tag along, or be left behind. But as the craziness of this lifestyle overwhelmed us, my husband and I started looking into other ways to serve. We dropped all our committees and instead decided to minister as a family. Today, we focus on two areas: children’s ministry and assisting in our local crisis pregnancy center. Together, we enjoy working and serving as we perform skits or wash baby clothes. We also share a common bond as we see lives transformed.
What about you? How has service united your family or pulled them apart?
thansk admin