So, let me tell you what I learned in my most recent Master’s class (my 2nd of 12)…
The class title was “Family Dysfunction - Assessment and Intervention.” Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Believe it or not, it was. The class was about applying Christ to people’s messy lives. When you think about it, that’s exactly what Jesus did when He was on the earth. He consorted with such unlikely people as prostitutes, adulterous men and women, tax collectors, lepers and other outcasts and showed God’s compassion to them in ways that directly impacted their lives.
During my class, I read up on addictions (drug, internet, gambling, pornography), divorce and stepfamily issues, physical and sexual violence, suicide, general crisis intervention, and personal dysfunctions (also known as sins) with which we all struggle. One of my assignments was to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, which opened my eyes to ministry opportunities in that area.
There are so many hurting people out there, and simply not enough time to start ministries for them all. But what this class has done for me is help open my eyes to the needs. As I look for God to guide our church, I feel confident that some new area of need-related ministry will arise through an opportunity in the community and a passion in the heart of a P.O.P. member (or members). What a huge potential there is! So many hurting people. Such an opportunity for Christ to make a difference in their lives. And what a fire that can ignite in that person who’s life has been changed, and in all the people they meet.
Christ came for hurting people. Keep your eyes open to be like Christ to hurting people around you.
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