Faithful in the Ordinary: The Ministry of Presence

God through His Word encourages us multiple times to be humble servants. We are encouraged to seek His Kingdom first, yet, instead we tend to seek our own little kingdom through platform and influence. He tells us that what we do is for His glory, yet, instead we can steal His glory for ourselves or give it to celebrity pastors and leaders. And His Kingdom is about His power to help us flourish and thrive, yet, instead we abuse our power and influence and harm others in many different ways.

How did we get here? Where celebrity pastors and their green rooms and private jets are an actual problem? Where “sexy” glamorous global ministry is even a concept to be challenged? Where abuses of power and spiritual abuses are harming people seeking deep healing in the Church? 

These are the very opposite of what Scripture commands, expects and warns for those serving God’s Kingdom.

• Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16 — “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them…” (Doing ministry for affirmation from others)
• Galatians 1:10 — “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man?” (fear of man / people pleasing)
• 3 John 1:9 — Diotrephes, “who likes to put himself first…” (status-seeking in the church.)
• 1 Peter 5:1-5 — Elders are to shepherd willingly, “not domineering… but being examples to the flock… Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility.” (Humble leadership instead of lording it over others)

When we elevate platform, influence, charisma, gifting, and visibility over humble, local, ordinary faithfulness and character, we end up with an unhealthy reversal of God’s principles that harms the family of God.

When we promote and perpetuate that success is “bigger and better,” and typically transactional, this is often at the expense of loving and serving one another, which is relational. Yet relationship should always be the center of our ministry.

The ministry of presence, showing up and being there for people in the midst of their difficulties and storms, is a significant theme in Scripture with articles and books expanding on this simple ordinary practice (1). Here are some examples of how relational ministry is found in Scripture:

• Romans 12:15 — “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Being present)
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 — God comforts us “so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction…” (Share God’s comfort with others)
• Galatians 6:2 — “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Show up to share burdens)
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 — “We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves…” (Give presence, along with Godly principles)
• Hebrews 10:24-25 — “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…” (Consistent encouragement.)

Sometimes the situation calls for a silent presence, sometimes for a practical presence and always for a compassionate, patient presence. 

How do you encourage and equip the priesthood of all believers to be engaged in the ordinary faithful basics of ministry of relational presence? 

Here is one scriptural strategy: The Case for "One Another" (See These 59 Commands in the Bible)