Post by John Ruffle on Feb 17, 2006 13:27:45 GMT 1
I would like to overview the idea of "Sacramental" ministry. I write from an unashamed Pentecostal / charismatic evangelical theological viewpoint, and my aim is that you might read this to the end, before jumping to conclusions:
What is Sacramental Ministry?
A lot of chaplaincy work is carried out by believers in Christ who simply see within their secular job, becoming the "presence" of Christ to a hurting world. This is at the heart of "sacramental Christian faith" -- but read on, dear friend...
With more space, I'd explain that this "Sacramental" model of service is not just the domain of a certain type of Christian, (normally people think of Catholic) but also embraces Protestants including (but by no means limited to) new-church, Charismatic, Pentecostal (plus our Orthodox Churches, of course). All those "in Christ" ALL have much to offer this world -- and those around us in particular. The people we touch and meet in our daily lives are the ones to whom we become the living "Christ-presence" - which is central to what the paradigm of "sacramental" is really all about.
In this ministry model, it becomes a positive advantage to be involved in the "secular" every-day world of work. We become relate-able; touchable. We indeed become the "visible sign of an invisible grace." Doors that are often barred to clergy may be those very doors that we are not only able, but, by virtue of our "secular" jobs, contractually required to enter on a daily basis! It may be the security swipe or punching the time clock. By entering in, we are on the way to embracing the needs and concerns of those around us. This is true incarnational Christianity. We become vessels whereby Christ might turn our water into wine from above. Our presence within the "secular" becomes a "sacred" presence; we are indeed living tabernacles of Christ's presence, where those around us may drink freely from Heaven in us! This, by the way, is not about "preaching" in the workplace. That will be the subject of a separate article; what we are discussing here is a very much more foundational pre-requisite to any overt, conscious witness.
The Role of Clergy:
I am not implying that the "clergy" are not needed - far from it. However, the primary role of clergy is to build up the saints in order for them to do the work of service (see: Ephesians 4:11). There is also a very important chaplaincy role in the visitation of the sick, burials etc. we are not downplaying this important work.
The Greatest Need:
However, the greatest need of our fellow un-churched workers on the factory floor, executive suite, hospital or wherever, is simply that they might know that someone cares! From the paradigm of someone outside Christ, the presence of a "professional" minister can seriously hinder the caring aspect - after all, "caring" is his or her "job", right? In fact, "caring" is not just a job, and definitely not just for the chosen few. Caring is to be our lifestyle, borne from a heart of compassion for those who are dying (literally) to see just a little practical kindness.
If you are involved in the secular work-place, do not think for a moment that your contribution is any less "significant" than those who are in "ordained" (church) ministry. While (depending on your tradition) you may not be authorized to administer the Sacraments of the eucharistic bread and wine, you are not only authorised, but commissioned, even commanded - and empowered- to actually become a living sacrament to those who are still outside Christ.
The last last time I checked, the number still without Christ far outnumber the Sunday faithful. So be encouraged, and do the work of the ministry -- right where you are!
Chaplain John
www.ifgcf.org
[You are most welcome to discuss this topic on this message board. Just make sure what you write is to help and encourage.]
What is Sacramental Ministry?
A lot of chaplaincy work is carried out by believers in Christ who simply see within their secular job, becoming the "presence" of Christ to a hurting world. This is at the heart of "sacramental Christian faith" -- but read on, dear friend...
With more space, I'd explain that this "Sacramental" model of service is not just the domain of a certain type of Christian, (normally people think of Catholic) but also embraces Protestants including (but by no means limited to) new-church, Charismatic, Pentecostal (plus our Orthodox Churches, of course). All those "in Christ" ALL have much to offer this world -- and those around us in particular. The people we touch and meet in our daily lives are the ones to whom we become the living "Christ-presence" - which is central to what the paradigm of "sacramental" is really all about.
In this ministry model, it becomes a positive advantage to be involved in the "secular" every-day world of work. We become relate-able; touchable. We indeed become the "visible sign of an invisible grace." Doors that are often barred to clergy may be those very doors that we are not only able, but, by virtue of our "secular" jobs, contractually required to enter on a daily basis! It may be the security swipe or punching the time clock. By entering in, we are on the way to embracing the needs and concerns of those around us. This is true incarnational Christianity. We become vessels whereby Christ might turn our water into wine from above. Our presence within the "secular" becomes a "sacred" presence; we are indeed living tabernacles of Christ's presence, where those around us may drink freely from Heaven in us! This, by the way, is not about "preaching" in the workplace. That will be the subject of a separate article; what we are discussing here is a very much more foundational pre-requisite to any overt, conscious witness.
The Role of Clergy:
I am not implying that the "clergy" are not needed - far from it. However, the primary role of clergy is to build up the saints in order for them to do the work of service (see: Ephesians 4:11). There is also a very important chaplaincy role in the visitation of the sick, burials etc. we are not downplaying this important work.
The Greatest Need:
However, the greatest need of our fellow un-churched workers on the factory floor, executive suite, hospital or wherever, is simply that they might know that someone cares! From the paradigm of someone outside Christ, the presence of a "professional" minister can seriously hinder the caring aspect - after all, "caring" is his or her "job", right? In fact, "caring" is not just a job, and definitely not just for the chosen few. Caring is to be our lifestyle, borne from a heart of compassion for those who are dying (literally) to see just a little practical kindness.
If you are involved in the secular work-place, do not think for a moment that your contribution is any less "significant" than those who are in "ordained" (church) ministry. While (depending on your tradition) you may not be authorized to administer the Sacraments of the eucharistic bread and wine, you are not only authorised, but commissioned, even commanded - and empowered- to actually become a living sacrament to those who are still outside Christ.
The last last time I checked, the number still without Christ far outnumber the Sunday faithful. So be encouraged, and do the work of the ministry -- right where you are!
Chaplain John
www.ifgcf.org
[You are most welcome to discuss this topic on this message board. Just make sure what you write is to help and encourage.]
