Ministering Afar For God’s Glory and Our Good

Individual Christian ministry is by nature personal care giving. When care receivers are in need, there is no substitute for personal care — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In much the same way, congregational ministry is primarily person to person. Both the one on one and corporate ministry is a togetherness in unity of worship, prayer, bible study, counsel and care giving.

During this time of health conscious social distancing our together worship and physical caregiving is limited if not impossible for safety reasons. We like most other churches in our community and thousands globally are making necessary adjustments. We are ministering from afar. Though the Scriptures do not address our response in terms of practical safety procedures, it does tell us what kind of attitude and wisdom we need in times like these would be pleasing to God.

Following the Example of Paul

The Apostle Paul often ministered from afar. He served local churches through his many letters distributed throughout the Roman Empire. In his letters, we gain some insight in how he related to believers when he couldn’t actually be near them.

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church he shares important principles for us to keep in mind today.

Build Personal Relationships

Through Paul’s efforts, churches were built on person to person relationships. He reminds those believers in Thessalonica, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1Thessalonians 2:8).

These relationships were built on Christ-centered love and compassion. It is that same kind of foundation that helps us keep our relationships strong when we are together. It is the same when, for a time, it’s not possible to meet together face to face.

Ministering from afar was not Paul’s foremost desire. In fact he informs them that it was painful. Paul was in essence saying, “I miss being together with you!”

“But since we were torn away from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time, (in person but not in heart), we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again…” (1Thessalonians 2:17–18).

We can be comforted in knowing that Paul, too, found it difficult to be separated from those he cared for. Yet when it became necessary to serve from afar he did whole-heartedly. In his day, Paul used the tools available to address the church’s needs both spiritually and emotionally.

Caring from afar is not necessarily the ideal form of Christian service. But we all can accomplish helpful ministry by making the most of the tools available to us. (Calling, Email or Texting each other. Live-streaming through Social media platforms, etc.)

While Paul’s Spirit inspired letters always provide the spiritual needs of Christ’s followers, he always looked forward to pouring his physical life into theirs. Until that became a possibility his next resource was to pray specifically that God would give him opportunity to once again minister with them in person.

“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith” (1Thessalonians 3:10).

Are we praying for one another while we are apart? Are we praying that soon we might be able to see each other face to face? Like Paul, we too can look ahead to the time that we will gather and minister together again in person. Paul was not only concerned in the strengthening of their faith but also in their sorrows. Paul wrote in part to comfort the church following the deaths of some within their community of faith.

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” (1Thessalonians 4:13–14).

In this context Paul is saying they were to grieve.” In Romans he said “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭ ‬‬What Paul is saying is that they are to grieve but not like others who have no hope of life beyond this life. What we Christians have that the rest of the world is lacking is hope.

Death creeps closer. This pandemic is real. Our only hope in life now is and always has been faith and hope in Christ. May we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and not lose sight of the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

Anticipation of Reuniting Together Again

It is our prayer that this destructive virus be irradiated quickly. It is our prayer that we all be protected from contracting it. It is our prayer that if any in our local church becomes ill that God would be merciful in restoring them to full health. And it is our prayer that God may be glorified by His saints in our labors to comfort others spiritually now and physically when possible.

If  Paul were here today, we can only imagine how he might use the devices we have available now.  Just as Paul made extensive use of letters in his own time from afar may we utilize the technology we have today to reach others to minister in the gospel of grace.

These tools will never replace face to face ministry, but they can serve as a powerful means of ministry between visits—or at times when visits just are not an option. Be grateful for the technologies we have today that enable us to stay connected. Seek to use these tools in anticipation of the time when we can resume our personal caregiving.

May the Lord guide us during this unique time. May His word help us exercise wisdom and discernment in using the communication tools available today for His glory and our good.