I like my office. I have a cool desk with a comfortable chair and a huge whiteboard I often use to brainstorm. My office is a nice little sanctuary to read emails, and work on messages, but it can be an obstacle to my ministry.
Whether your work 20 hours or 40 hours a week you won’t be as effective as you want if most of your time is spent in the church office. While you can build community with coworkers you are missing out making an impact in the community.
Now, some of you might push back and say, “Chris you don’t understand because I have emails to answer, curriculums to review and meetings!” And while that’s true, there is rarely a reason you can’t do those things off campus.
While having a desk is important because it gives you a home base and allows you to hold onto confidential documents, going mobile gives you an opportunity to bring the church to people who aren’t currently going.
So, if you want to get out there swap your desktop for a laptop, talk with your pastor and start:
INVESTING IN THE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP/EATERY
My satellite office is either the Chick-Fil-a, Starbucks or Five Guys right by the church. Whether it’s having a meeting, or picking up the laptop I like to periodically head off campus to do work because that’s where I can run into:
- Young adults who are looking to earn a buck
- Parents and volunteers grabbing a bite to eat or a cup of coffee
- Local entrepreneurs and telecommuters who are mobile too
Select a place where you know teens, parents and volunteers frequent. Let people know where you will be by sharing it on social media or posting your off campus hours online.
People in your parish are more likely to approach you when you are out in public then if you are behind your office door. Don’t be afraid to build relationships with the workers and get to know the regulars.
LOOKING AT MINISTRIES THAT ARE ALREADY ON THE FRINGES
Every week I head into the Baltimore County Detention Center to mentor teenagers who are incarcerated as adults. I go into the facility as a member of unCuffed Ministries. I’ve always had a heart for serving those in the prison system, but it also helps me connect with teens and families who are often forgotten.
By investing in this ministry I’ve created the opportunity to not only bring these guys the love of God, but invite them into a church community if they are released. It’s also an opportunity to serve people who are very different from who I am.
Your ministry can have a powerful impact if it’s connecting with those on the fringes. Unless you live in a very rural area chances are your community has a local shelter, after school tutoring program or some type of outreach where you can serve those on the fringes.
By connecting to a local mission you not only invest in the community but give your students a model of what it is like to love those who are different from them. Expand your influence by investing in these other opportunities.
CONNECTING TO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Ministry isn’t always as complicated as me make it. A lot of times it starts with simply being present. Your presence matters and sometimes that means:
- Going to youth sporting events to cheer on your teens
- Attending a theatrical production at the local school
- Stopping by a birthday or graduation party that a student has invited you to attend
- Getting involved in a local club or activity as a coach or instructor
Once again it will make you accessible to those you need to connect with. Parents will value the support you are showing their teens and the local community. People will see your investment and will be more likely to return the favor.
No matter what you do make sure you communicate your schedule and intentions with your pastor. Invite coworkers and volunteers to join you. Get the church mobilized by moving beyond your office walls and spending time in the surrounding community. You’ll get more done then if you continue to sit behind the computer.
Where are you being present and mobile in your community?
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