While public recognition and affirmation are important, the experience can soon fade if that is all that happens. How often have you received a compliment and felt good about it but later that affirmation fades as the realities of life continue to unfold. Those engaged in specialized ministry need support in a similar way that pastoral ministers need it. One step in providing that might be to have some regional gatherings of those so engaged.The specialized character of their ministry may mean that such gatherings need to be on a Saturday or on an evening.
At such an initial gathering, it would be good for those present to have an opportunity to tell the story of their ministry and how they understand God’s calling. At first, this may be difficult for the participants because they are not accustomed to this type of description. Doing so, however, may help reinforce their sense of call and their consciousness of their practice of ministry.
A next step might be to explore their sense of the relationship of their ministry with the larger ministry of the Body of Christ, particularly as it finds expression in the denominational setting. Also, one might want to identify in what way they feel a connection with a local congregation and how that affects them. In many cases their will be some professional association to which they belong. Sometimes that is helpful and sometimes that simply contributes to their stress.
The group might want to explore how their various gifts of ministry contribute to the support of each other. They may also want to explore how the larger church, particularly the denomination, can be supportive in a healthy way. Bringing them together is a major action. Each grouping will be unique and should be allowed to guide the discussion.
