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I was challenged this week to think about what ministry at Covenant and, particularly, what makes something a "Covenant Ministry". The model of church I grew up with, and have worked in, has defined a ministry of the church as something that was approved by the church staff and/or board; was accountable to staff and/or the board; and ran under the logo and name of the church. For the most part, I've simply adopted this way of thinking about "church ministry."

This definition of church ministry begins with an understanding of the church as an organization and then thinks of ministries and programs run by that organization. But when the Bible talks about the church it doesn't define or describe it as an organization. It describes us as a body (Ephesians 4:4-13). It describes us as a family (Hebrews 2:10-18). It even describes us as a flock (John 10:1-16). But never as anything close to what we, in our 21st century perspective, think of as an "organization". It seems that in the Bible, the heart of what it means to be "the church" is not our staff, or our board. It is we, as a people, living well together under the lordship and leadership of Jesus.

If that's true, than anything those who are a part of "the church" are involved in can become "church ministry" if it is done with the right spirit and heart. When I begin to think of Covenant Ministry from that perspective - freed from the need for control by staff and a board - I get really exciting about both the ministry that is already happening through Covenant and the incredible potential for ministry.

For example, on Saturday there was a women's day held at Covenant's building. We advertised it on our website and in our bulletin, but it wasn't (by a traditional definition) a "Covenant ministry". It was planned and led under the banner of Inter-Varsity and Pioneer Women's Ministry. But Linda Bellisle, who is a part of our Covenant family, was a key person in putting this event on. She put in a lot of work to offer it for the benefit of women in our area. I know several other women and men put in work to help the day to be a success. This was a Covenant ministry even though the church "organization" didn't oversee it. [Truthfully, my tendency towards a traditional definition of what makes something a church ministry led me to not promote or encourage this event as I should have. I deeply regret this. I'm really thankful to Linda and others who led the way in putting this event on!]

Another example is the group that leads music at the residence on Water Street every other week. This started as formal Covenant initiative. But it has been carried by Vera Finlay, Carrie Marchand, and others. They don't report to the board or the staff at Covenant, but they are part of the Covenant family out serving the community in a beautiful way. That is Covenant ministry.

I know others who volunteer with places like the Guesthouse Shelter and the Hero Centre. Others work with agencies or in roles where they have the chance to serve with love, compassion, and care. Covenant has ministry happening in healthcare, education, social services, professional services, and in trades. Each time someone who is a part of our Covenant family lives out God's calling on their life in ways that transcend a mere transaction of money and services, it is ministry and I want to celebrate it!

So thank you for what you do - whatever the logo is on your business card; or the name of the agency; or if there is no "organization" involved at all. Whether you perceive what you do as big or small, thank you. You are doing "Covenant ministry." Far more importantly, you are doing Jesus ministry representing him in (and to) our world. I'm praying for you as you serve this week.