talk or do

The question for ministry leaders is not “what do we want to do?” but rather, “what do the people we are trying to reach need us to do?”

I came across an excellent interview which explained survey results regarding ministry to the homeless, especially during the holidays. Churchmarketingsucks.com (I think the name is in poor taste but the site is very effective) interviewed Mark Horvath, who is an advocate for the homeless and needy in America. Some of the best takeaways are…

“If we see a hurting person, pray for them and say God will take care of them, but we don’t take any action ourselves, we use prayer as an excuse to not take action ourselves.”

“We need to get our hands dirty and start caring for our neighbors”

“…people don’t need a word. They need their mortgage paid. They need food. They need jobs. Here’s the word: Shut up and do something tangible to help others.”

I appreciate the urgency with which Mark operates. I hope to be that passionate about the things God has called us to do. I try to remind myself often to stop talking so much about doing the work of Jesus and just start doing the work of Jesus.