On “Formal” Ministry
Everyone has their own idea of what “formal” ministry is, but this, wasn’t what the Missionary had in mind.
She was uncomfortable. She wore the natives traditional clothing and it was itchy and strange. She longed for her own comfy clothes, but knew they would be unacceptable for this occasion. She’d spent hours- mimicking the natives customary face painting. Her hair was rebelling against the traditional native ceremonial style she had coaxed it into. She could feel it starting to wilt, even though she’d liberally applied the natives own recipe…
The Missionaries stomach felt tied in knots. “Would they accept her? Would she stick out like the foreigner she was? “ Her feet were entrapped in the traditional stilted shoes that the natives found appropriate for such an event. She wondered how she’d manage the traditional dances, without breaking her ankles.Â
When the Missionary and her husband arrived, she relaxed. The preparation was over- the celebration had begun.Â
The food was piled high, rich and exotic. She chatted, smiled and ate and soon found herself simply enjoying the company of the natives. She truly cared for these people.Â
Through out the evening, she purposed to show that care. By simply listening, by offering encouragement. By caring. It wasn’t care that came from her, and she knew it. On her own, she’d find the natives far too strange and difficult to care for. But God had stirred something in her heart. Instead of just seeing their oddness. She saw their potential, and their struggle.Â
They seemed both starving, yet somehow a bit bloated at the same time… dressed in their finest- and surrounded by rich food- yet they seemed to be starving. “Hungry, but not for food-For God” She thought to herself.
And no- it wasn’t what this missionary had,had in mind. To be honest- I’d have skipped the whole event. Yes- the Missionary was me. The natives? My husband’s co-workers. The customary event? The semi-formal Christmas party.
Semi formal means- I had to buy another long black gown…. (yes I have them in a number of sizes;) I had to do the traditional “full face” makeup- you know- curl the eyelashes the whole nine yards. I pried my feet into heels… and yes- I wondered if I’d be able to dance without breaking an ankle. FYI— the Chicken Dance is not a good icebreaker. Although it is cute when Elmo does it…
Over the years – I’ve really struggled with going to these events. Some of what goes on, is well…. just not my thing. Some of what goes on really bothers me. In the beginning- I had a pretty self righteous attitude. Like “I don’t belong here… I’m better than this” then- over the years- that just mellowed to a feeling of being an outsider.
For the past few years- God has been changing my attitude. To one of missionary. Don’t get me wrong….these things still stress me out, they are still uncomfortable. But now- I go prepared to minister… not to preach. Not to condemn, but to share the love of Christ. Simply. By listening, smiling and caring.
It isn’t “Formal” Ministry… but it’s ministry just the same.
Well- that and try not to break my ankles doing the chicken dance.
(*****Clarification- the Chicken Dance was not actually danced… by anyone… but, it sounds more funny than just saying dancing to lame music****)
Dear Lord- I thank you for my husband’s job- I thank you for the people he works with- I ask you to use us to bring them closer to you- help us to see everything as an opportunity to minister- whether “Formal”,” informal”or  “formal”.. God- our days are not our own- they are yours- wherever we go- let us bring you- to the party. Amen
Is there someplace- (times, circumstances) that cause you to feel like a foreigner?Â
Do you think God may want to use you – there- as a missionary?Â
How could He?Â
What makes it hard or uncomfortable for you to be in those circumstances, places, times etc?
The truth is– some people are just plain difficult— let’s pray that God will give us eyes to see them- as He does…
Lord- I pray that you’d help me see past my own frustrations and see people as you do- as needing you- starving and hungry for you— help us to offer what we have- multiply it God- and make it grow- in Jesus name- amen.
Thank you so much for this. I’ve felt that way many time and not just at office parties…at my Hubby’s family gatherings! I needed to read this.
Blessings to you.
Tracey this is beautiful. And I could name a few events I feel the exact same way. It is always ok once I get there, and I have to realize God has me there for a reason, but I complain the whole time leading up to that. Thank you for the reminder I am a missionary, even in these events.
Blessings.
wonderful post! It’s so easy to just whine about and try to avoid these out-of-our-comfort-zone situations, but may we see them as opportunities. Imagine real missionaries who leave their comfort zones for months, years, or all of their lives for Jesus! Then again, our comfort should be in Him, not in our circumstance. Thank you!
There’s a sign just as you leave my church’s parking lot which says, “You are now entering the mission field.” Every time I see that sign it reminds me that we are missionaries wherever we go, whether it be to an office party or the grocery store. I’ve done missionary work in Russia and have been in lots of uncomfortable situations, but it’s good to be reminded that we don’t have to travel to a foreign country to be deemed a missionary. I’m always uncomfortable at formal gatherings because I’m not a formal kind of gal, but I constantly remind myself God places us in a variety of situations outside of our comfort zone for a purpose. Who knows what impact one word or one action may have on an individual’s life. Great post Tracey and thanks for the reminder.
wow I never thought of being a missionary in this way – thanks 🙂
Is there someplace- (times, circumstances) that cause you to feel like a foreigner?
We are transitioning our church from “more traditional” to “less traditional” at the moment. My heart longs for contemporary praise and worship, and sometimes I feel like a foreigner, but I know that this ministry is the ministry that the Lord has called my husband and myself to. Leading worship is a passion for us- much like mission work.
Do you think God may want to use you – there- as a missionary?
Absolutely. He already is.
How could He? By allowing him to use us to bring these people into a true understanding of what Worship is. It isnt about the music we sing, it is about being in the presence of a loving savior who longs for our attention.
What makes it hard or uncomfortable for you to be in those circumstances, places, times etc? Our background. We come from very non traditional church backgrounds (very contemporary). But we are fully aware that Christ can use us, no matter where we are- despite our comfort 😉
Great post!
Heather
You know I read this morning but had to run before I could comment. I am now tired and may not make sense. I absolutely loved this. What a remender that whatever we are doing and wherever we are we are called to be a missionary to those around us. Thankyu.
Lovely thoughts, really!
It made me feel good, I will come back to your blog soon to read some more…
What a different world it would be if we saw people through His eyes. Lovely!!
I what you have done with this thought. Yes, I think we are all missionaries if we are out in the field. I pray everyday that through my actions here at work are a reflection of my Lord, Jesus Christ. 🙂