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Every Sunday, Mark would ask how you were you were doing, quickly followed by “What is the Lord doing in your life?”  I went to church with Mark for 18 years and I can’t remember having a conversation about the Cowboys or the Spurs. Mark had 7 children, all of them athletic, so the opportunity to talk sports should have been there. However, spiritual conversations were plentiful.

I asked Mark about his motivation to ask this question.  I pointed out that his question was different than other fellas and sometimes it was a hard conversation to have.  I had even seen people walk in the opposite direction, so they wouldn’t have that conversation with him.  Mark responded with two reasons. First, Sunday morning was the only time he would see most of his church family and he didn’t want to miss the opportunity.  Second, he might be the only person having that conversation with them.

Which brings us to Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Often this is a time (maybe the only time) that we get together with family and friends. We reconnect over the kids and their schedules, work, vacations, news, and everything other than our spiritual lives. Maybe they have responded poorly in the past, or they don’t share your views, or maybe … whatever.  It is hard.  It is hard for all of us.

"Let this season be your opening to witness to family and friends. Be thankful for the opportunity to share your Savior."

Using Mark’s logic, this season is a great opportunity and we may be the only ones to broach the subject.  How do we do this; what can make it doable?

1. Pray for guidance: About who to speak with and when to do it.
2. Consider what you might say: It might work for you to ask Mark’s question.  Or you could share how the Lord is working in your life or share your testimony. Or share a question you have about theology or something happening in the public sector.
3. Start the conversation with another person: Make sure your original target in close proximity. Start with a side conversation, eventually involving the person you want.
4. Don’t be afraid to not know the answer: If something comes up, say “I don’t know, but I will do some research and get back to you”. This gives you an automatic reason to follow up.
5. Pray and follow up: Could be a simple as a message “I enjoyed talking with you about ______” or if you see them at Christmas, having another conversation. 

Today, I read a letter from President Reagan while he was in office.  He took time out of his busy day running the country to share the gospel with his Father-in-law. It was that important for him and that important for us.

I saw Mark about a year ago.  He gave me a hug, and asked, “What is the Lord doing in your life?” Some things never change, and some things do.  Let this season be your opening to witness to your family and friends. Be thankful for the opportunity to share your Savior. 

There are a host of behind the scenes ministries that happen weekly within any church across America. These aren’t the ministries you hear much talk about, they aren’t the ones everyone is lining up to serve with, but they keep the church running, they welcome the lost and encourage the lonely.  Today’s ministry highlight is one of those behind the scenes ministries you may have never given any thought to but God has used mightily: The Attendance Ministry.

How did you get called into you’re the Attendance Ministry?

I’ve always been active in the church and I think I slide into this one by helping Adele.

How have you seen God work in you through your ministry?

I’ve seen people join the church because they felt so welcomed. It really makes me feel like God is truly using me.

What has been the hardest aspect of serving and how did God us that to grow you?

I do not feel like there is a hard part to this ministry. I feel like God opens my heart more as I met new people. They become part of “my” family.

What are you most thankful for in the ministry?

The blessing of so many hugs each week. I grew up in a family that didn’t hug, maybe that’s why God put me here.

“I feel like I am giving blessings and also receiving them. I rejuvenate every Sunday!”

What would you say to someone who doesn’t feel equipped to serve?

Step out. Let God lead you. Smile and be blessed.

Can you share a ministry success from 2018?

I don’t know that there is a “success.” I just know that some people wait for my hugs. We enjoy being family. Also, people like to know that someone missed them if they didn’t come for a week or two. And I worry if there aren’t at church for a while.  

How did you get called into Youth Ministry?

For me, serving in youth ministry at Mountain Christian was a really natural response to the effect that amazing youth leaders have had on my life. In my middle and high school years, my youth leaders were some of the biggest influencing voices in my life and walk with God. After high school God really gave me a heart for kids going through the vulnerable and confusing time that is the early teenage years. I jumped on board as a youth leader then, and fell completely in love with it.

How have you seen God work in you and your volunteers thru your ministry?

One of the most surprising things about youth ministry to me is that as much as you’re there to give time and love to the kids, you end up getting SO much in return. We have a really awesome team of young adults who are leading the middle school youth program right now, and one of the biggest blessings of this ministry is to get to work with them and see how God calls each of them deeper into relationship with Him, through their service at youth group. It’s clear in their lessons, in the love that pours out of them for the students, and in the way they build each other up and love each other as a team.

What has been the hardest aspect of serving and how did God use that to grow you?

For me, the very hardest thing about serving is giving everything you can give to a group of kids, and then seeing some of them fall away from their faith as they get older. I’m sure any parent can sympathize with this tenfold, it’s like seeing a part of your heart die. God used it to show me a tiny part of how He feels when we turn away from Him. He also taught me that loving with His love is incredibly painful sometimes. It makes me appreciate the lengths to which He went to have the chance to love us, even knowing some of us would never love Him back. It makes me more like Jesus to love like that. And also, the kids who end up being your success stories make it all worth it!

What are you most thankful for in the ministry?

It’s so hard to pick just one thing, so I’ll say 2! One is the intense fellowship with the youth leadership team. I’ve never been to war, but youth group feels like going into battle every week, fighting it out for young souls, and it’s like having family at my side. Two is the way God is able to use my past, including the (many!!) mistakes that I’ve made to speak into kids’ lives. God is so gracious, not only does He forgive my sins, He uses them to make me a better youth leader, teacher, and friend, to these kids. He’s called the redeemer for a reason.

What would you say to someone who doesn't feel equipped to serve?

I would say that I totally understand that. Every time I stand up to teach a lesson at youth group I have a moment where I’m just overwhelmed that God would choose to speak through ME. But I would say that your feelings are the least important part of the decision. God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. I get that youth ministry is scary. There’s not a lot more intimidating than being watched by 15 judgy 11 year olds. But if there’s any part of you that feels that youth ministry may be something God is calling you to, obey. Trust God to work the rest out.

Why should people get involved in ministry?

Bob Goff has this really great quote. He says “We don't need to call it "ministry," just call it Tuesday”. For Christians, ministry is just how we live out our faith. God never called us to this attitude of consumerism that plagues the American church, causing people to show up on Sunday for what they can get out of it, and then leave. Why should you get involved in ministry? Because God commands you to. Because Jesus gave His life for us, and calls us to do the same for others, pouring out His love everywhere. It’s not a matter of “should I or shouldn’t I”, but of “where is God calling me?”

Can you share a ministry success from 2018:

I feel like every week we get through a youth group without serious injury is a ministry success! But one of my favorite nights so far this year was our parent meeting in September. We celebrated a year of Fire and Ice middle school youth group with pizza and a giant jumper. We also got to share our vision for the ministry as a leadership team with the parents. We’re a young group of leaders, so I felt like it was a success that we were able to communicate our passion for MCC’s young people to deepen their relationships with Christ, as well as lay out a practical plan for the upcoming year. We’re ready for God to rock MCC and the East mountains through this ministry in 2019.

What do you want your volunteers to know?

Youth ministry is more than a once a week volunteer opportunity. It’s grueling and inconvenient, and you’ll find youth kids taking over your heart and mind, and maybe even your couch. But for every drawback, there’s an opportunity to speak truth into a student’s life. God is at work here, and it’s an amazing thing to be a part of.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t feel equipped to serve?

I do not feel equipped to serve.  I am disorganized, anxious, and unwise.  But God’s glory, goodness, and grace shine through my weakness ALL THE TIME.  If I’ve learned anything about serving in ministry, it’s that it really isn’t about me, my skills, my preparedness, or my personality.  It’s ALL about God…His goodness, His grace, His mercy, and His love.  I’d say: “Say yes; and prepare to be humbled beyond your comfort level, and thrilled beyond your greatest expectations.”

Why should people get involved in ministry?

If it is true that God manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14), how can we possibly keep from wanting to carry His scent everywhere?  Additionally, we’ve been commissioned to go out into the world and make disciples.  Whether we counsel people, deliver meals, chop wood, preach, or volunteer in a classroom, God is able to manifest the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ through our actions in every place.  A fish can’t help but swim; a bird can’t help but fly; and a Christian can’t help but minister.  It’s what we were made to do.

Can you share a ministry success from 2018?

Liz teaches the class for non-verbal kids with special needs at A. Montoya.  I’ve helped in her classroom for a few years and come to know her well. Over the summer, Liz incurred massive flood damage to her home, and especially to her well.  She lived without water for months, trying to get her homeowners’ insurance, lawyers, and others to help with the cost.  In September, A. Montoya’s principal let me know that no help was coming for this young woman, and asked if we might be able to see about helping her.  Shine volunteers jumped at the chance and donated money toward the cost of fixing the well.  She couldn’t believe we were willing to help her.  She gathered quotes, did some of the work herself, and found a great contractor. The contractor did the work for a fraction of his normal cost, and Shine volunteers had amassed more than enough money to cover the bill. 

Liz and I got to have the sweetest conversation about God’s goodness and grace. She didn’t believe she deserved such a gift, and felt guilty receiving it.  We talked of grace through Christ, about how none of us are saved by works, about how this was all part of God’s plan to draw her to Himself.  Neither of us had dry eyes by the end of it.  What an incredible privilege it was to get a small glimpse into the big work that God is doing in her heart, and to be part of His demonstration of love for her!

What do you want your volunteers to know?

I’m so, so grateful for them. I began as the Shine coordinator for our church with one thought: “Even if no one else does this, I’m going to do it.”  What a sorry ministry it would have been indeed if it had just been me!  MCC’s Shine volunteers continue to go into the uncomfortable, the messy, the scary, and the unpredictable with open hearts and willing hands. I marvel as God puts them in places where the gifts He’s given them really shine, and truly are used of Him to minister to others. They continue to encourage me in countless ways; and their selfless, joyful service spurs me on. I tend to be a one-woman team in many areas of life, not wanting to trust or lean on anyone. God has used my Shine team to show me what joy and abundance is found in serving alongside my family in Christ, and how much I really do need them!

I hope they know how much their prayer, willingness to serve, encouraging words, and bold faith have impacted our community for the kingdom of God!

Click here to learn more about Shine and how you can serve through this amazing ministry!

The second blog in our "Thankfulness in Ministry Series."

How did you get called into the Shine ministry?

Growing up, I hated school.  Really, really hated it.  I felt like it was a total waste of my time, and viewed my teachers as the leading experts on soul crushing and fun killing. The smell of the place (yup - elementary, middle, and high all smelled the same), the sound of the bells, the look of the portable buildings…they all give me this anxious nausea.

Why would I ever go back?

Well…

Along with the nausea-inducing sights, smells and sounds, public school brought me into close contact with the most precious creatures this world holds…people.  And these people, they made a deep, lasting mark on my heart. 

Sam, undoubtedly the smartest kid to ever attend Manzano High, lived in abject poverty just across Lomas from me. He made me laugh every time I talked with him.  Kelly often passed out at her desk.  She sought comfort from the horrors of her life through cutting and probably drugs. Heather’s sister showed up at lunch one time to say good-bye to her…she was 16, and had decided to run away.  I cried with Heather through the day.  Tamara’s mom was a Buddhist, her dad an atheist.  She taught me how to ask great questions, how to listen, and how to be a great friend to a person who completely disagreed with my worldview. 

Ms. Fletcher could have been a professor at an Ivy League school, but she loved us NM kids.  She cried when we experienced sudden strokes of “brilliance”.  Oh, I could go on and on all day.  Public school is the place where the extraordinary, the needy, the hopeless, the anxious, the noble, and the hurting collide.  It is an incredible slice of society, and a surefire place to find people who are desperate for the hope only God can give them.

When Mountain Christian Church first had the opportunity to be partnered with a Title 1 APS school through Shine, I just felt like God was saying, “Here you go, Ash….all you’ve ever wanted.” 

Did I ever think I’d want to go back to public school?  Of course not.  However, to invest in the lives of the needy, to be an agent for change in a young one’s life, to bring relief to the suffering, to strengthen the trembling hands of those on the front lines (teachers), and to do it all in the name of Jesus Christ?  Honestly, it seemed too good to be true. It is the ministry of my dreams.

How have you seen God work in you and your volunteers through your ministry?

Wow…has my faith, and the faith of my Shine teammates…grown by leaps and bounds through this ministry!  We have had such little control over this thing, and have had to simply trust God at every turn.  Would the principal and staff of a public school really welcome the help of a church?  Would we have enough volunteers to help at the events we were actually invited to help with?  Would the love of God really be communicated through our efforts?  Would we have enough resources to actually make a difference there?  And, what does making a difference even look like?  What are we supposed to do with all the overwhelming need that exists there? 

We have prayed hard; and at every turn, God has opened doors, built relationships, and lavished abundance in ways that only He can.  We often find ourselves giggling over His goodness, because it bowls us over time and again.

What has been the hardest aspect of saving and how did God use that to grow you?

Uncertainty.  Shine is an uncharted ministry.  I often say, “I have no idea what I’m doing”, because I really don’t.  I like routine, and I like to have a plan, and Shine lends itself to neither.  The wonderful thing about this is that I know that the success God brings to Shine has nothing to do with my efforts….it’s ALL Him; and the uncertainty of it all keeps me coming back to His throne for wisdom and grace.

What are you most thankful for in your ministry?

I am most thankful for the relationships that God has built between us at MCC and our A. Montoya family.  What a privilege it is to share laughter, tears, victory, and struggle with the kids, parents, and staff at our school.  While we’ve been honored to serve them, they have blessed us in countless ways.  Diving into another’s world when you don’t “have to” always begs the question: “Why?  Why are you doing this?”  Our friends at A. Montoya don’t really ask us this anymore. 

The love of Christ that inevitably sloshes out of us and onto them is obvious.  They get it now…we don’t serve them so we can feel good about ourselves or gain converts or show off our generosity.  We love them because God loves them.  That’s it.

We are so grateful to Ashley for sharing her heart for God and the Shine Ministry with us! What an inspiration to see how God uses His ministries to transform lives! Click here for the rest of Ashley's insights on how serving through Shine has made her more grateful, trusting and aware of God's presence in a few days!