One aspect of my job was to "cross sell." (Selling an additional product or service to an existing customer.) One feature that we were encouraged to suggest was "direct deposit." This would enable the customer to forgo standing in extremely long lines to deposit their check. We would do the work for them electronically...instantly.
The customer would win all the way around...no driving to the bank, less gasoline used, no standing in long lines, more time to do other things, etc.
However, not everyone saw this feature as a benefit. Mostly, our senior citizens. It seemed like every 1st and 3rd of the month I would go through the same "sales speech" of why they should let their checks be direct deposited.
Finally, one day after going through my routine speech, a dear elderly lady explained to me that she knew she could have her check direct deposited, it would save time, gas, etc. However, she enjoyed walking to the mailbox to check for the mail. She enjoyed getting ready to go to the bank. She enjoyed handling her personal banking...signing her check, filling out her deposit ticket, standing in line and chit chatting with fellow customers and bank employees. The "trip to the bank" was something she looked forward to each month.
I realized at that moment this was not just about convenience or business for her. She also enjoyed the social aspect of engaging with other people.
In the ministry, it's not just about programs...it's about people. People who laugh and cry, smile and smirk, and hide their feelings like the old fashioned game "hid-n-seek" hoping for someone to find them.
People are what ministry is all about.
Are you a people person?
Apostle Paul spoke of his son in the faith as a "people person."
- Philippians 2:19-22 "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the Gospel."
Friends, if we're going to be in the ministry, we must look beyond our own desires and personal advancements. The big picture is what matters.
Too often, I meet people who say they want to be in the ministry, but if their heart isn't in it for the right reason, it will show especially when sacrifice is required.
There comes a time when you'll have to put your needs last for the sake of others. It will be a sacrifice. You'll have to wait on your own goals and desires. However, in the end, you'll be rewarded as you follow the footsteps of Pastor Timothy.
Prayer Focus
Let us pray that BFWC will be more people-oriented than program-oriented. Let us aim to meet the needs of the widows, orphans, sick, elderly, lost, and so forth. Sure, we all have ideas for ministry, plans that are stirring in our heads and hearts, but let us not forsake the day-to-day operations that involve people.
We pray for more people to minister to more people.
Are you relying on the pastors, elders and deacons to do this? How about you? Are you following after Timothy's example?
If you see a need...meet it. That's real ministry.
