“…ministry is born out of intimacy- intimacy with God and with each
other as His Body. Social engagement and friendliness do not equal
intimacy. The need for genuine community is a critical foundation for
missional engagement. Of course, they happen together (as I would hate
to suggest that we cannot be missional until we have “arrived” at true
community), but pursuing genuine relationship with God and each other
is an essential first step.
It is here where we often fall, seeking to demonstrate the external
manifestations of community without the costly internal changes
required it to truly be born. It is easier to behave well together than
to work through the inevitable paind and chaos of trust,
accountability, affirmation and love. This topic could be the focus of
several posts (or books), but I will sum up by saying that we must face
the costly and difficult work of true community if we hope to fully
discover our missional identity.”
quote from “Towards Our Missional Identity” (www.missional.ca)
not call us to ministry. He calls us to Himself. Then, out of time
spent with Jesus, ministry is birthed because of the intimacy developed
by sitting at His feet.
