Make the World Smaller

I was recently reminded of a question I was asked by a seminary student last year with respect to what is oftentimes described as mercy ministry. This student asked, “When the need is so great, how do you keep from getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of the need?” It was an incredibly insightful question then and still is today. My memory recall was initiated while on a trip to Minneapolis, MN visiting a church planter. During our time there, we explored the neighborhood in which he will plant, partnered with the neighborhood association on a clean-up day, visited an immigrant/refugee ministry, experienced many of the local establishments, and really gained a true sense of life and realities in Minneapolis. I appreciated immersing myself in the culture as it provided me with a greater sense of understanding. That immersion, however, also allowed our team to understand the magnitude of need. During the final debrief of the trip, I remember the church planter simply communicating all of what he needed/planned to do, how things would progress, who would be joining him, and all of the different challenges associated with planting a church and doing so in a city like Minneapolis. As I heard this testimony of sorts, I just simply came back to the phrase, “make the world smaller.” The realities of the burden of need is not new based upon the fact that much has been written about ministry burnout, fatigue, and personal distress, and how to recognize signs and symptoms and seek help to persevere.  From personal experience and conversation with others, I believe the magnitude of need can not only result in fatigue and burnout while engaged in ministry, but it can sometimes cause a crippling effect keeping someone from ever saying ‘Yes’ to ministry and missions opportunities in the first place. I have been there, and maybe you have too. 

As I have considered the reality that sometimes the scope of need is so overwhelming that some simply say, ‘No,’ I want to encourage each of us personally, as well as among those with whom we may have influence, to begin to make the world smaller to encourage missions participation and thus actively fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28).

By God’s grace, we can begin to make the world smaller by:

• Praying that the Lord would give our hearts and minds rest, specifically resting in the knowledge that He is sovereign and in control (1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Hebrews 1:3)

• Recognizing the Lord has equipped and gifted each of us in unique ways to serve Him, ask the Lord and trusted brothers and sisters to reveal and affirm those gifts and talents (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12)

• In light of our gifts, determine what brings us the most excitement as related to missions and service to the Lord (e.g. medical missions, homeless ministry, pregnancy resource centers, immigrant/refugee ministry, etc…)

• Begin to narrow down and define specific opportunities based on location, accessibility, capacity to serve, etc… rather than thinking about the need/opportunity at large

• With the help of others, begin to replace the reasons to say, ‘No’ with specific ways to say, ‘Yes’ … and … commit! 

It is certainly true and right to consider the vastness of need across our globe, throughout our country, within our state, and right there in our own communities. Having knowledge and empathy toward this reality is good. However, I want to simply encourage us today to understand that the Lord has uniquely equipped us and divinely placed us in our current spheres of influence and it is within those contexts that we can exercise the gifts the Lord has given us for His glory and so that many might come to know Him. Yes, the world is big and the need is great but let us all make the world smaller so we might live freely for Him and for His glory.

To God be the glory!