Expecting people to just walk right through the doors of the church went out during the 1950’s.
So then we shifted toward more of a missional mindset which it characterized by one of the most popular forms of ministry today: the coffee shop ministry. Many churches, missionaries, and people have started a coffee shop in order to minister to those around them. This has been viewed as the preferred way of doing ministry today.
But what’s next?
In the evolution of ministry, what is the next step? As we get better and better at doing ministry, what is the next step?
I believe that one big area of ministry that could be the next thing to take hold in many churches is the concept of incarnational ministry. Granted, people don’t just come waltzing into our churches anymore uninvited. So we needed something more relational. And, yes, starting a coffee shop ministry is definitely a good way to be relational with people. For sure. But what is the next step after that? I believe we need to take the next step into relational ministry and not just create ways to impact certain components of people’s lives. We need to infuse ourselves into their lives just like Jesus did for us when He came to earth. We need to commit to incarnational ministry: living near people, plugging in with our neighborhoods, getting involved with people’s lives when they are home and in their community.
Being “with them” and “dwelling among them” like Jesus did is the next step on the ladder of relationships. It allows you to get to know someone at such a deep level. It brings in an element of trust. It maintains that you are willing to do anything – even cutting into your normal, home life – to minister to someone. Incarnational ministry.
Are you ready for the next step? Are you ready to go beyond the coffee shop? Are you ready to be more relational?
Also, what do you think? Could this be the next evolution in the way that we do some of our ministries?
I would LOVE to hear some thoughts from fellow sojourners on The Middle Road.
