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The Ministry Encouragement Podcast – Episode #35, by the Rev. Jim W. Hollis
02-27-13 – Sponsored by Proactive Ministries: www.proactive-ministries.org
Hello and welcome to Episode #35 of the Ministry Encouragement Podcast. I’m so delighted that you have chosen to be part of this incredibly relevant Episode as we discuss:
The Ministry of Peacemaking
and
The Reality & Resolution of Church Conflicts
I will be sharing today about what it means to become involved in The Ministry of Reconciliation, but be warned – this is not a ministry for casual worship attendees or merely religious persons. This is a ministry for mature Christians, particularly Leaders in the Christian Community, who are willing to risk themselves for the cause of Christ and the possibilities of peace, forgiveness, hope and reconciliation. This is a MUCH needed ministry today in more churches than you can imagine.
Some of the opening, foundational Scriptures I discuss in this Episode are:
The Ministry of Peacemaking Scriptures –
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9, NIV)
15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. (Proverbs 12:15, NIV)
9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:9-11, NIV)
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18, NIV)
I also go into some depth about what it really means to be engaged as a servant of Christ involved in the Ministry of Reconciliation. There are dangers, risks and pitfalls for anyone choosing to share in this kind of ministry. But the rewards spiritually are also incredible – to know that the Holy Spirit has used people like you and me to truly turn a tide of bitterness, strife and brokenness.
I hope that you will not only listen to this Episode, but to share it with others in your life. Perhaps you know of a pastor, a friend, a relative or a co-worker who is part of a congregation that is headed for the cliff of divisiveness and oppression. There are many times that professional intervention can be very effective in bringing reconciliation. Share this with them and encourage them to call me to discuss their particular situation. It can make a tremendous difference.
We will also look at why we are called by God to be involved in helping to bring reconciliation rather than ignoring it or trying to avoid it. We realize that most people are highly conflict avoidant and will avoid it at almost any cost. The cost can be enormous. It can harm our youth, children and many other “innocent” persons who get wounded by the collateral damage this strife can cause.
I hope that you will be encouraged today as we take a look at The Ministry of Peacemaking. Let me hear from you by email, phone or voicemail here on the blog page. I would love to answer questions you may have about how to bring hope to a situation that you or someone you care about may be involved in.
Until our next Episode, please keep our ministry in your prayers and I will keep you in prayers also. I would be honored to have you email me (Jim@ministryencouragementpodcast.com) or call our offices (770) 803-9988 with your prayer requests or questions.
Blessings in Christ’s Grace,
Jim
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Rev. Jim,
I am so thankful for you and Jim Burt!! I have just listened to the podcast of what we heard last weekend at our church’s Ministry of Reconciliation Weekend. Things have happened this week that have bothered me. I didn’t do what I should do at a meeting when the discussion got off on what we learned from you, with people telling what they heard said. Unfortunately we had one person in this group who may leave the church, so she heard what we said through her filter of emotion. I wish I had steered the discussion back to the topic, because it was not the place to address this with her. I did have the opportunity to listen to her yesterday, and I tried not to agree or disagree. But I did not know how to say the words of reconciliation she needed. Listening to the podcast has helped, and I hope to talk to her again this week.
Also, I am so sad that two of our closest friends are pulling away for a while–collateral damage! I hope to talk to them next week, too. I know you are praying for us. And I am praying for you, Jim and your Staff for all you do. It’s so hard and so important! Our Pastor is going to see when we can get together as a group, because we really need to support and pray for each other. Thank you for all you modeled and taught us. I know “God has not left us comfortless.”
Marian
Thanks so much for your thoughtful note. We are praying for all of you who are Leaders in your church to take the Courage of Christ and speak into some of the negativity and conflict, recalling that we are given the call to be Ambassadors of Reconciliation. This is something we trust the Holy Spirit to do through us, trusting also in the training and ministry modeling we did among you all.
Hang in. There will be plenty of other opportunities to step up and speak Grace and Healing into the storm. We are having phone calls that persons are truly considering coming back and working through forgiveness and reconciliation. To that end, we will pray.
If you have other friends who are in a church that is in serious conflict and strife, feel free to give us a call or contact us at Proactive Ministries. Conflict Resolution Ministry is something we are very blessed to bring and share in.
Rev. Jim Hollis, Executive Director
Proactive Ministries
Offices: (770) 803-9988
Email: jim@ministryencouragementpodcast.com