Ministry Outside the Congregation
Maxie Dunnam
When my congregation grants me freedom to minister outside our church, they are giving me, my gifts, and even some of themselves to others.
—Maxie Dunnam You receive a phone call one afternoon: "Pastor, a group of us in the community have become increasingly troubled about child abuse. A number of leaders in the religious and social service communities are gathering this Thursday night to see what we can do to help. Your colleague at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church suggested you might want to join us. Do you think you can?" You pause, not knowing what to say, although you're already feeling guilty. In milliseconds a number of concerns cross your mind: Is this a problem I'm qualified to tackle? Do I have the time? My preaching has been suffering, and I've already decided to spend more time on it. But I'd hate to say no to such a genuine need. Besides, wouldn't this be a great opportunity to represent the church in the community? There may be some evangelistic opportunities, as well. Then again, my schedule is loaded. You finally tell the caller that you'll be happy to come to the organizing meeting, but you're not sure what you'll be able to do after that. You realize, however, that you've just postponed your decision and that your questions have yet to be resolved. Pastors are regularly presented with opportunities for ministry outside their congregations, certainly more opportunities than they can say yes to: parachurch board membership, denominational committee work, writing and speaking opportunities—the list goes on. Sometimes ministry outside the congregation seems like a distraction; at other times it feels like a blessing. In deciding whether and how to take such opportunities, here are some things I keep in mind.
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