As a ministry we have the responsibility to care for the people of God, scripture tells us, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” James 1:27. In addition, Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” we have a responsibility to care for the things God cares for. This is ministry, Jesus ministered and had no concerns for himself but for …show more content…
God loved us just as we are, he does not require that we come to him holy and righteous. Generally, the church has placed restrictions on those who come to church observing the outward and not focusing in on the inward. The mission of the church has become, to groom the outward to look like we think it should, but God loves and waits. There was a time when we all were enemies of God yet he loved us, watched over us, and kept us until we surrender to his Lordship. The ministry of God is pray have patience and love his people beyond what we see. Just as God has drawn us with loving kindness we must be like God and draw with kindness. John MacArthur list summarizing how pastors are to take care of sheep is a good foundation for all to follow: love the sheep, feed the sheep, rescue the sheep, attend and comfort the sheep, guide the sheep, guard and protect the sheep and watch over the sheep. Ministry should be a place of safety from the past although, God allows situations to happen in our lives for a testimony of what he did to bring us out so who are we to stop or hinder God’s plans for people. We are to pray and wait for God’s hands to move on the individual and when he’s ready to draw them to him. We are not to judge but with open arms receive them and love them as Christ loves us. Acts 20:28 says, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers,