Sometimes, as we age, we develop physical problems that restrict what we can do in ministry. That doesn’t mean that God can not use us in significant ways. Modern technology increasingly enables people to perform significant work from their homes. If, to paraphrase John Wesley, the world is our parish, then the internet has enabled us to reach across the miles and be in touch with ministries around the world.
Consider the possibility of being in touch with soldiers stationed in locations around the world and providing them a chance to safely struggle with their spiritual issues with a pastor who cares. That can be done through facebook, twitter, or email, but it can also be done through skype which allows you to talk face to face. You might offer the same type of support to missionaries who labor far from home or even business people whose work requires them to travel a lot and haven’t established a way to examine their own spiritual life. Sometimes the very distance of the internet can offer a secure a safe place to unburden oneself and wrestle with the spiritual truths of your life.
Especially if you have a gift of language, one might create a spiritual community that transcends geographical boundaries and cultures. I can envision pastors from different cultures benefiting from such communication as the church seeks to discover what God is doing in our diverse but increasingly interactive world. In retirement, you might learn about missions and church work that could then be interpreted to a local church and connect them in an exciting ministry. You might also become a confessor for a pastor who needs support but is anxious about the effects of being too open with his or her questions among pastors in his or her area.
The internet may open entirely new forms of ministry for those who take the time to explore it.
