Don't Miss the Moment Because of the Ministry

blog by Stephanie Caro

Jesus was at the church I worshipped at today; I saw him with my own two eyes. And I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Jesus in any church wherever two or three are gathered in His name?” Yes, of course. That’s what the book says. This was different. As the elements were being distributed, he came down the long center aisle.

Picture this: a formal, Gothic cathedral filled with people who know God’s bounty in their lifestyle. Everyone was in their place ready to play their part in the communion dance: the choir, servers, ushers, and congregants.

And this homeless man. He couldn’t wait his turn. He came forward and at no slow shuffling pace. He was excited. We all saw it because…well. It wasn’t his entrance cue yet. No one stopped him.

When he got to the front, Pastor Stephen smiled and whispered, “We’re not quite ready.” The man replied, “That’s OK. I’ll wait.” He stayed right up front at the altar rail and was first to be served. For once, he was front and center in the many lines of his life. It was a “God-moment” outside of time.

And I almost missed it. I almost skipped out on communion because I was SO busy with the youth ministry meeting I would be leading after worship. I was too focused on the things of “church” that I almost missed out on seeing Jesus today.

Which one was Jesus? You tell me.

 Stephanie Caro  is a Lead Consultant for Youth Ministry Architects, and Director of our new Small Church Ministry Architects division. Stephanie has written several books, including Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches and 99 Thoughts for the Smaller Church Youth Worker. Check out her blogs for Simply Youth Ministry Network & Group Publishing:  http://smallchurchyouthministry.com/ &  http://smallgroupsministry.com.

Stephanie Caro
Lead Consultant
MINISTRY ARCHITECTS
Building Sustainable Ministries….One Church at a Time
Voice/Fax (877) 462-5718
Direct (727) 215-4067
stephanie.caro@ymarchitects.com
http://ymarchitects.com
Twitter: @ymarchitects