Ministry is about people.
Now, this does not mean that people are the hero of the story, Christ alone is the hero of the Christian’s story. Nor does it mean that people dictate our message or how we ought to live. However, we cannot lose sight of the fact that ministry is intended to reach people with the love of God.
I have heard it popularly said by many pastors that, “Ministry would be easy if it weren’t for the people!”
Yet, apart from people, there would be no need for ministry!
Serving God by serving others is certainly done for the glory of God, but it is likewise done for the good of our fellow man.
This reality is showcased well in the apostle Paul’s recollection of his time with the church at Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 2.
He begins the chapter by recounting the hardships that accompanied his ministry trip there and how persecution came. With this, Paul made it abundantly clear that the goal of his ministry was not people-pleasing. The goal of gospel ministry is to, “please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4).
We must never change the message of truth to accommodate itching ears. There is one gospel hope that is found in Christ and Him crucified that every person needs.
Yet, if we are not careful, we can lose sight of the fact that Christ died for people. He came to die for sinful people (Rom. 5:8). God showed His love for a world in rebellion against Him by sending His Son to die on behalf of that very world composed of people.
I once heard a very good talk given by the lead singer of the Christian rock band “Disciple” on this topic. His point was that people matter to God and if people matter to God, then they should matter to us.
The goal of ministry might not be to please people—but it is to reach people. Paul makes this abundantly clear:
He was “affectionately desirous” of the people there (1 Thess. 2:8).
He and his coworkers were gentle like a nursing mother (1 Thess. 2:7) and also exhorted them as fathers would (1 Thess. 2:11). Multiple family metaphors are given to showcase that the apostle loved these people. Why? Because God loved them. If God loved them, then how could Paul not?
With this, the apostle concluded that the people he was able to reach became his boast. While Paul did not boast in of himself, he did celebrate the people that God allowed him to reach with the gospel because people matter.
To this beloved church, their apostle wrote, “For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thess. 2:20, emphasis added).
Sometimes we can struggle with this. After the tragedy that startled the world yesterday, it is easy to conclude that humanity is corrupt to the core and utterly irredeemable. It is hard to see the worst of humankind in the news. It is heartbreaking, soul-shattering, and utterly confounding. Why are people so rotten and at times downright evil?
Truth be told, I have oftentimes used “people” as a verb to describe the horrible things people do when, “People people.”
Yet, this same messed up, seemingly irredeemable human race that we look at as hopeless is the exact group that Christ came to redeem. Apart from Christ, there is no hope—but with Christ there is hope. A hope for people.
Perhaps then, we ought to follow in the apostle’s example of loving care for those around us as we seek to impact others with the gospel.
One of my friends from years back would often say, “People are the only thing you can take to heaven with you.”
Let us never lose sight of the fact that people matter. They matter to God and therefore they should matter to us. Gospel ministry, while certainly done for the glory of God, is likewise done for the good of people that God loves and sent His Son to redeem.