GENEralities

Something I once read challenged me to write down what I’m for; my philosophy of ministry. This is the latest draft.

Life is like a journey down a highway. We’re born and we set out for our final destination; the home God intends for us (heaven). The trouble is, sin has destroyed the bridge which was to deliver us there safe and sound. Where the bridge was, there is now a great yawning chasm at the bottom of which is destruction (hell).

I know the bridge is out. It’s just around the bend so people can’t see it from where I meet them. They have to take my word for it.

I don’t want them to drive into the chasm and die. I want to warn them about the bridge being out and to tell them about the way (Jesus) which will lead them to safety. This is what God has put me here for.

Everything else pales beside that fact. If I feed people, preside at their weddings, visit them in hospital but neglect to warn them about the bridge being out, I’m failing them. Well fed, happily married, cared-for people can still plunge into the chasm where they expect the bridge to be. My job is to love them, warn them and help them to the way of safety.

I am not responsible for the decisions people make. They may choose to ignore my warning. I am, however, responsible for finding ways to get their attention and telling them, as lovingly, convincingly and clearly as possible, using language they can understand, that the bridge is out. I must also love all people and live my life in a way that makes me credible and trustworthy enough that people are more likely to stop, or at least slow down, so they can hear what I have to say.

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