I have heard ministry defined as the active response to God's call. James Fenhagen (in his Invitation to Holiness) suggests that Christians are not called to virtue so much as they we are called to service in and for the world in companionship with each other and the Lord. The Outline of Faith in the Book of Common Prayer states that ministry is the work of all: bishops, priests, deacons and lay people.
For me, as a layman, the challenge has always been to claim what I do as ministry. This is not because I want to be seen carrying a mantle of righteousness. Rather, to see my life's work and my work life as ministry pulls me to deepen my examination of those relationships which arise in each day.
My family life, my public service, my teaching, my daily chores, and so much more . . . all clearly are opportunities to do good and to serve others. But giving up to God the how and why runs counter to my "guy" instincts to take names, solve problems and make things happen . . . and only later to consider God's place in it all.
I thank God for His challenge to me to see my life in terms that places the Lord's at its center . . . to see it as ministry.
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The Oakerhater Community is a religious community under the canons of the Episcopal Church. Our purpose is to "discern, enable and support individuals and communities in their vocations of reconciliation." We presuppose Christ's presence in one another and in all whom we encounter. We seek to remove barriers that stand between us and the fullest expression and acceptance of God's love. We affirm in our baptism the unity of all people in Christ — one Body, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism
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The purpose of this blog site will be to further the mission and ministry of the Oakerhater Community. A brief introduction to the Community is shown above in the bannerhead of this blog. More information will be shared as the occasion arises.
For now, only Members of the Community will be permitted to author original posts, but all are welcome to respond and to join in the discussion. Our only request is that as you post, you are mindful of the purpose for this site and for the Community's ministry. We would ask that you include your name and location in your posts so that we might grow to know one another more closely.
For now, only Members of the Community will be permitted to author original posts, but all are welcome to respond and to join in the discussion. Our only request is that as you post, you are mindful of the purpose for this site and for the Community's ministry. We would ask that you include your name and location in your posts so that we might grow to know one another more closely.
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