A personal reflection on The Hub, the FIEC annual conference in mid-January, for those on their journey into ministry or exploring the call.
Contemplating our experience of The Hub in 2018, one question comes to mind. In the words of Jesus at the end of John’s Gospel: ‘Do you love me? … Do you love me? … Do you love me?’
How often do we think about that question? We talk about God’s abounding love for us and his unwavering grace, mercy and sovereignty in our lives, but how often do we ask ourselves – do I really love Jesus? Because if we do there is absolutely no doubt that our lives should reflect that!
Progress
In his sermons, Adrian Reynolds said that: ‘Christian life and ministry is characterised by progress’. Our sanctification will never be complete this side of heaven and our growth therefore should be deliberate and intentional. This not only ensures our own development in godliness and gifting, but also that of those to whom we minister. Our approach to ministry should be one of humility, in appreciation of the fact that we are simply broken people ministering to broken people, in the strength and wisdom of our Lord.
In the Question & Answer section, Richard Underwood recalled how he used to think he was going into ministry to fix other people, but what happened was that God used other people to fix him! What a boldly honest and humble reflection. We aren’t going to save the world, but you can be sure God’s Word can, and in faithfulness he’ll fix you too!
The ‘One-to-One Pastoral Ministry’ and ‘Growing in Gifting’ seminars each reiterated the need to be intentional when it comes to both our love for others and growing our gifts. They also highlighted that there’s no need to wait. We can minister to those around us right now, knowing that God’s Word is powerful, it changes lives and it’s for people of all different backgrounds, ages and nationalities!
We were encouraged to open the Bible with someone; make the effort; love people; love them completely and unconditionally, just as our Lord has done for us. Serve, serve and serve again, finding joy in it because Jesus came, died and rose again so you could serve in this great commission.
The power of networking
One of the greatest privileges of the weekend is the time to network, both with people on different paths to different ministries and with as many mentors as you can get your hands on over the two days. Whether it is to share best practice, have hearts refreshed or gain a wider perspective on God’s work in our nation, networking is a vital part of full-time ministry. Praying, reading God’s Word and fellowshipping with other like-minded believers will be a lifeline as we respond to God’s higher calling on our lives to be holy, grow in gifting and see souls saved for his glory.
