By Christine Warner
We all want to make a difference in the world. But our schedules get busy, and ministry can be uncomfortable. For the Christian, however, the ministry of justice and mercy is a definitive call.
As Director of the Matthew25 Initiative and Gathering, I’d like to share 5 reasons to take action and pursue ministry to the vulnerable and marginalized in North America this year. That could mean involvement in recovery ministry, ministry among immigrants and refugees, a job skills training program, a nursing home ministry or so much more.
Ministry may take different forms, but whenever we engage in works of justice and mercy, we …
1. Follow God’s heart. We must engage in ministries of justice and mercy because it is too close to God’s heart and the gospel to miss. God’s words on this are strong and unequivocal. When we respond with obedience, we’re offered an invitation into the vibrant, electric, beautiful, upside-down kingdom of God. Working among the poor, widows, orphans, and refugees is “icon” ministry—it provides windows into heaven and doorways to the sacred because Jesus says, “You do it unto Me.” Where does Christ say he is most present? That is where we need to be.
2. Engage the next generation. We must engage the ministry of justice and mercy for the sake of the next generation. It is missional; it is our apologetic; it is our witness to a world that is cynical and skeptical about Christianity. Justice and mercy issues are non-negotiables for the younger generations, who need their churches to be engaged, literate and involved in acts of mercy on the ground. Ministries of justice and mercy give the Church credibility and a voice.
3. Set an example for others. Many people would like to explore ministries of justice and mercy and just don’t know how. We need more seasoned practitioners on the ground who can offer mentorship, pathways and inspiration for churches and people in their communities who want take a step of faith and put their hand to the plow.
4. Enable others to do this crucial work. Many ministries do not have easy access to resources. You and your church can generate, support, and help fund the care and efficacy of ministries in your community or in our Anglican family. Perhaps you’re not able to serve as an on-the-ground practitioner in this season of your life. That’s ok! Why not provide funding for others to continue or initiate new ministries? Financial support is critical for justice and mercy ministries in the United States, Canada and Mexico to thrive.
5. Find community. If you are already doing works of justice, mercy, and reconciliation, you will benefit from meeting others who are doing it too. There is a particular level of isolation and burden that doing these kinds of ministries entails. While suffering is part of the package, don’t suffer unnecessarily by feeling disconnected, unsupported, under-resourced, and lonely. Reach out to find peers/partners/mentors who can share their ideas and creativity, so you aren’t reinventing the wheel unnecessarily.
Hopefully I’ve given you some compelling reasons to engage in works of justice and mercy, and direct your Anglican peers and parishioners our way. One great way to get started is to explore the Matthew25 Initiative, which supports and encourages Anglican ministries among the vulnerable, marginalized, and under-resourced in North America. For inspiration and resources on ministry among the least of these, consider attending Matthew25’s 2020 Gathering (Sept 22-24) in El Paso, Texas.
Do you have more questions about how to get involved in ministry of justice and mercy? Contact Christine.