Ministry is not about doing --
it is about growing.
Ministry is not about fixing --
it is about healing.
Ministry is not about pulling people toward something
--
it is about walking with people while searching.
Ministry is not about convincing others about a truth
--
it is about allowing discovery to be nurtured.
Ministry is not about providing answers --
it is about provoking more and more fresh questions.
Ministry is not about speaking profoundly --
it is about active listening.
Ministry is not about leading people to God --
it is about allowing God to enter in.
Ministry is not about promoting doctrine --
it is about announcing Jesus.
Ministry is not about providing a map for eternal life --
it is about nurturing life right now, to the full.
Ministry is not about changing people --
it is about loving people.
Ministry is not about providing clarity --
it is about celebrating ambiguity.
Ministry is not about providing solutions --
it is about facing the quandaries.
Ministry is not about getting into heaven --
it is about the promise of a paradise.
Ministry is not about turning stones to bread --
it is about being bread for the world.
Ministry is not about walking on water --
it is about lifting up those who are sinking.
Ministry is not about feeding thousands --
it is about recognizing our hungers.
Ministry is not about saving people --
it is about reminding others that there is a savior.
Ministry is not about having a messiah complex --
it is about revealing a wonderfully complex Messiah.
Ministry is not about memorizing and spouting out creeds --
it is about professing a faith-filled life.
Ministry is not about correcting wrongs into right --
it is about living as a righteous people.
Ministry is not about soothing suffering --
it is about suffering and crying with.
Ministry is not about feeling pity --
it is about moving in compassion.
Ministry is not about reading scripture --
it is about becoming the living Word.
Ministry is not about helping to actualize miracles --
it is about helping others to see what a miracle they are.
Ministry is not always about being there --
it also about choosing absence so that God can show up.
Ministry is not about making the most of one's time --
it is about wasting time with God.
Ministry is not about pursuing prayer --
it is about being open to God's presence pursuing us.
Ministry is not about striving to be holy --
it is about recognizing that without God we can do nothing.
Ministry is not about saving people --
it is about helping to bring the lost home.
Ministry is not providing answers for our children's
questions --
it is about honoring their wisdom.
Ministry is not about being a model and well-rounded
disciple --
it is about sharing one's vulnerable self.
Ministry is not about providing information --
it is about empowering transformation.
Ministry is not about going to church --
it is about being
church.
Ministry is not participating in the singing --
it is about becoming the song.
Ministry is not about being perfect in God's eyes --
it is about being a witness of God's love.
Ministry is not about whether one believes in God --
it is about following the Christ.
it is about following the Christ.
--David Haas, Catholic composer
Explore your future ministry at the Parish Picnic & Ministry Fair this Sunday, August 9, after the 10:15 Mass!
Image source (1): OLMC Ministry Fair 2014, Ann O. staffing the Hot Lunch Program Table
Image source (2): Parish Picnic Announcement, courtesy of C. Mulberry
Text source
To hear or purchase music by David Haas, click here.
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