Ministry on the edge

Last week someone who reads my blog asked me if I was discouraged. Goodness, NO!

My life right now is "doing ministry on the edge." What do I mean by that? It means I am connecting with people who are far, far away from "church" (that edge). And often far from God, as well. It means that they don't look like or talk like a church crowd. It means that their lives are messy, and sometimes... they just don't show up. Sometimes this means they don't show up once. Other times it means they disappear.

But I love doing ministry on the edge. Today at our Alpha class I talked to two guys who have lived lives far from the church crowd. But they are looking at their lives and realizing... there is something more.

I realize that ministry on the edge doesn't result in huge churches exploding into quick being. That usually takes a group that's closer to God for that to happen. When people are far, far away from God, it's a long, long road to get them there, to see their lives transformed, to see their leadership potential tapped and developed.

But you know what? I love this road. I love being on the edge. I love the people God is bringing me into contact with. I love the sense of having to wait each day to see who God will bring and what God will do.

I've done enough ministry in the "safe" zone. I have to tell you... it's much more fun on the edge.