1. Come closer.
Make a decision to move towards the need. Why? Because some of the greatest needs that exist in your geography may not be in the path of your everyday life. Desperate, hurting people and communities often exist within a few minutes of where comfortable Christians live, work, and play.
And here’s another reason to come closer. It’s what Jesus did for us. It’s what he modeled for us. Jesus stepped out of great comfort into the midst of great need to reach those of us who were on the outside of hope looking in.
2. Pray.
Sustained, effective ministry among those in poverty or great need requires a power greater than our own. I recall hearing the story of a Seminary professor who took his students to a graveyard and gave them one assignment for the day. He said: "I want you each to raise just one person from the grave." The students were bewildered and confused. One student finally said to the professor: "That's impossible. We can't raise anyone to life." The professor responded: "And don't you forget it."
If you hope to see people come to Christ, and be raised to new life both spiritually and socially, overcoming the many obstacles in front of them, you need to pray.
3. Know your role.
Your role is not to be anyone’s Savior. Your role is to point people to the Savior. Make no mistake. God has sent a Savior. It’s just not you. And it’s certainly not me. Understanding that will keep you within the bounds of healthy missional work. It will protect your heart and will protect you from overestimating the degree to which other people “need you.” If we don’t know our role, then often we begin to do too much for people. We work harder at the change in their life than they do. We foster a dependency on us rather than a dependency on the Lord. They don’t get better. And we become bitter.
4. Filter your biases.
It’s easy for people to confuse their culture, their politics, and their social views with their Christianity. Be careful that you aren’t seeking to convert people to your culture, but to Christ. Jesus is not white. He’s not black. He’s not American. He’s not a Republican. He’s not a Democrat. And His gospel will blow up many of our ways of seeing and treating people. Spend some time learning how to identify your unbiblical biases and prejudices so you can better understand, love, and minister to others.
5. Partner with others.
I discovered many years ago that almost every door we knock on in certain neighborhoods opens to reveal tremendous need. Most households contain enough spiritual and physical need that it could occupy months or years worth of time, energy, and investment by people who want to love their neighbor. You can’t be everything a person needs. You aren’t supposed to be. You don’t have to be. Our community is blessed with resources. We can do more for a person by learning where resources are and pointing people to what already exists than trying to be everything for everyone. It takes a village.
6. Help in a way that is actually needed.
A local meeting was called in my community some time ago. Faith leaders wanted to have a large event to address a community need. When the idea was presented to the community leader whose people would be a recipient of this "help," he respectfully asked that we do something different. The need people wanted to address was not a need that existed. Much to my disappointment, the next day I received an email indicating that the event proposed would be going forward. But some in the room decided to meet the need that was requested we meet, rather than the one initially proposed. Help isn't help if it doesn't help. Effective ministry often begins with listening to those in need and those on the front lines who have been addressing the issues before us.
7. Respect and preserve the dignity of others.
It can't be emphasized enough that we must fight against even the slightest hint of arrogance in our own hearts. We aren't better people seeking to help lesser people. Consider yourself as the worst of sinners, who has been undeservedly showered with the mercy and grace of God in Christ. From that place of humility and gratitude, seek to come alongside others, not reaching down but reaching over, to share the experience, strength, and hope you've found in Christ. In every way, seek to build others up, pointing them to embrace their identity and potential in Christ. May the Lord and others increase as you decrease.
8. Minister differently.
The kind of Bible Study, format, or program that you connect with and enjoy might not translate in a different cultural setting. Sometimes, Christians who love the Lord want to bring "their ministry" to a new community. Often, what is needed is an entirely different approach to ministry. If you bring Bibles, bring ones with large print because vision care is not usually available among those of extremely low or no income. If you want to sign people up for an opportunity, don't assume that people have access and know how to enroll through the latest app or online option. If you want to minister in a neighborhood, know the daily schedule pattern of most residents so you don't show up at a time few are awake or available. Things like this are simple, but important things to know. Ask around. Talk to other people who serve in the community. Learn how to and how not to do things.
These are just a few tips, and they represent just the tip of the iceberg. I hope they provide some food for thought. Feel free to reach out with questions about a ministry opportunity you're considering.