So I know it’s rude to eavesdrop, right… but it’s also hard to NOT hear a conversation when the people at the table behind are talking rather loudly.

So here I pen this quick blog in LA. Brian is beside me, breakfast consumed and quietly immersed in his own world of emails, questions and Instagram – forever scrolling for glimpses of grandbabies and the people we love and miss. A pod of dolphins are within view, not far offshore. Maybe twenty or so playing in the cool Californian waters, while a handful of hopeful surfers sit waiting for waves that aren’t exactly happening.

And behind me, as is often the case in this city of lights and drama, is a table of three who are discussing the WHY behind a film idea: “Are we merely artists putting our creative idea out there… OR is it about the audience? Are we promoting our own ideas on life… OR are we seeking to move people and send them home better and stronger? Will they want to go home after this film and love whoever is in their world more?”

I know it’s rude to listen – but what great questions for all of us, especially those of us who are entrusted with any kind of ministry “platform”: Are we merely (Christian) artists putting our creative idea out there… OR is it about the faithful who have gathered? Are we promoting our own ideas and philosophies on life… OR are we diligently pointing them to Christ and His life-changing Word? Are we seeking to move them and (like the film industry people behind me) send them home better, stronger, and more prepared to make the world a better place?”

Just a thought.
Just a reminder.
Just a little pause and ponder.

I believe most who steward His Church and His Word these days understand these basic, bottom-line, fundamental principles of ministry. It is never about us. Our role as ministers of the Gospel truth is to point people to Christ – whether we sing, serve, teach, preach or whatever. Our role is to move people… move their emotions, move their confidence or sense of inadequacy, move their belief in themselves, that they indeed are loved, called, capable and commissioned to help make the world a better place.

Praying this perspective (inspired by a table of three who have now well and truly left the scene) serves to remind us that “ministry is indeed uncomplicated and simple” when we know who we are exalting and who we are pointing to; when we know WE don’t have to invent astounding genius ideas, but rather our role in this great play of “Thy Kingdom come” is to communicate and unveil the astounding genius, wonder and wisdom of an already eternal and stunning God!

Have a great day; we’re in this together.
Bobbie

Ephesians 3:16-21 (NIV)
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. [20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

For more information on Pastor Bobbie please visit brianandbobbie.com and follow her on Twitter @BobbieHouston, Facebook.com/brianandbobbie and Instagram @RLHouston