“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45

I don’t naturally like messes; I’m kind of an orderly guy. My closet is organized with plastic (preferably white) hangers. So, when a ministry mentor would say, "Ministry is messy,” it totally threw me off. I wasn’t sure what he meant until I lived it first hand. Here are just a few examples I have encountered recently: Cohabiting couples, seasonally depressed individuals who don't think rationally, awkward confessions I have no desire to know about, church people who "have a concern," and a pastor who questions his call (yours truly, sometimes!). 

As ministers, we are called to serve and love people; but people can just be so messy.

It makes me think of Jesus’ ministry. It was messy. Peter was a mess. The Pharisees relentlessly harassed Jesus. A mess. Matthew, a tax collector. An absolute mess. The crowds of needy people always following Jesus. A total mess.

Jesus modeled this idea; he embraced the mess. He didn’t run from it and you never hear him complain. If anything, it drove Him toward His goal – to love and to give His life as a ransom for the many messy people.

He just kept embracing messy people and ministry.

So as a minister to people, why not embrace the mess and see the opportunity?

You never know how the Lord may use you to love and encourage the people He has given you the opportunity to serve. 

Receive a Free eBook by Charles Spurgeon!

To celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month this October, we’re giving away a free eBook from Charles Spurgeon! This work from Spurgeon is meant to encourage pastors and ministry leaders to endure in their ministry for the glory of God and the good of the Church. We pray it encourages you and your church this month.

Additionally, Midwestern Seminary is releasing new content and giveaways across social media, including a $10,000 Pastor Appreciation Package to be awarded to one pastor who is entered! Enter your pastor to win and find out more about how we’re celebrating Pastor Appreciation Month by clicking the button below.