Doing Ministry During a Pandemic: Ministry Basics for Every Believer
During this time of the pandemic, it may seem like doing ministry is impossible. Quite the contrary. If we think of ministry as just activities that we do within the four walls of a building, then it will seem impossible. But sometimes as believers, we get so caught up in church work, the necessary work of being in a building, that we fail to do basic ministry. There are basic ministries that every believer should do. We can do most, if not all, foundational ministry activities at any time even in imprisonment, or like now, a pandemic. So, it is time to get back to basics. Sometimes we need a reset. Now is the time to check to see if you are actively doing the basic ministry activities God expects every believer to do.
Evangelistic Ministry
Avoid Danger But Spread the Message
Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Every believer is called to evangelize. There is not a gift of evangelism. Sure, some are called to be evangelists. But the evangelist is called to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). All saints must do the work of the ministry in building up the church. A chief part of the work of the saints is spreading the gospel of Jesus. This is the great commission of Jesus Christ, for all believers to preach the gospel.
Jesus expected the disciples to continue spreading the gospel even when persecution arose. He did not tell them to put themselves in danger, but rather to avoid persecution by going into another area to preach when danger presented itself. We can apply the same principle to a pandemic, crisis, or any situation where our well-being may be at risk. We should do our best to avoid danger while still committed to spreading the gospel. This may mean sharing the gospel in your community while wearing a face covering and avoiding person-to-person contact. It may mean using the telephone, social media, and other digital ways of sharing Christ. It could even involve going to an area with little to no cases of infection to spread the gospel. Allow the Lord to lead you in how to do it; avoid the danger, but keep on preaching the gospel.
Use Every Opportunity
Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Interestingly, Acts 8:1 shows us that the Apostles remained at Jerusalem when persecution came upon the church, but the people all scattered. Even though all the people were scattered, they went everywhere preaching the gospel. This verse shows that God sends all believers to preach the gospel. All believers are not pulpit preachers, nor pastors, nor church leaders, but all believers are called to be preachers of the gospel.
So here in Acts 8, we see that persecution prevented the church from operating as normal. The people were scattered. However, they took the opportunity to share the gospel wherever they went. They went everywhere preaching the gospel. They did not waste the opportunity but took full advantage of it for the gospel's sake. Just like during this pandemic, the church cannot operate as normal. Many church doors are closed. Where it is open, there is a reduction in the number of people, and the usual fellowship is not possible. But even if you are at home, take every opportunity that you can to share the gospel with a coworker, family member, neighbor, or a social media friend. The pandemic provides many opportunities because of the emotional needs that people have. You have a great opportunity to share Christ, and to show the peace of God during the pandemic.
Find New Territory
Acts 11:19-21 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
Again, we see that some believers who scattered abroad preached to the Gentiles. Up to this point, the church had only preached to the Jews. But a crisis created the chance for the church to take new territory. This pandemic may be your opportunity to reach a family member or friend that you could not reach before. Even as places open up, fear, confusion will still occupy the hearts of many. However, we can share our faith as the answer like never before. You have probably heard how suicide, depression, domestic violence has been on the rise during this pandemic. A survey of young people showed that 67% are praying more or asking more spiritual questions during the pandemic. You have a significant opportunity, take new territory.
Prayer Ministry
Every believer has a ministry of prayer. We ought to pray all types of prayers.
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
We ought to take the time to pray, not only for ourselves but for all the saints. The scripture goes further and tells us to persevere in all prayer for all saints, and to stay alert in prayer. Therefore, prayer is a ministry of the saints.
Help Others Through Prayer
2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us
In prayer, you help others to do the ministry God has called them to. But this is not only for ministry, you are helping others be fruitful in life by praying for them. Imagine, right where you are, without being with the person physically, you can help others through prayer.
Anyone Can Pray Anywhere
The widow at home, the old, and the young at home or in the church. You can pray online, on the phone, or in the room. For prayer, there is no limit to who, where, and when.
The life of Anna, who saw the coming Messiah by the Spirit, was one of the continuous prayers and fasting in the temple. She remained in the temple in prayer to God (Luke 2:36-37). We find Peter praying on a roof top (Acts 10:9). Paul prays in prison (Acts 16:25).
Labour in Prayer
You can strive, labor, and breakthrough obstacles for others in prayer for others to come into God’s perfect will.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Epaphras laboured with fire in prayer that they may come into the perfect will of God. You can strive with god on behalf of others to come into God’s perfect will.
Romans 15:30-32 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Make a great effort in prayer for others to be delivered from evil acts. Push in prayer for the ministry of the saints to be accepted where they go. Strive in prayer for others to come to you with what God has given them to do.
Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Teaching Ministry
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
While every believer is not called to the teaching ministry office, we all are given the wisdom to teach and instruct each other in God’s word. The person in the teaching ministry office equips the saints to do the work of the ministry in building up the church. On-going teaching is necessary for the building of the church. The great commission begins with preaching the gospel but continues with teaching. It is about making disciples, not simply getting converts. So each believer must be ready to teach the rudiments of the faith to other believers. Essentially, every believer should fill themselves with the Word of God so as to be ready.
Get filled up with the word
Teach with your unique creativity
Learn the Foundational Doctrines
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Ministry of Encouragement
Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
The Bible teaches us to exhort or encourage one another daily. Daily encouragement helps to combat sin’s deceitfulness. During a pandemic, persecution or other types of crisis, encouragement can keep us spiritually alert and hopeful of the promises of God.
To counter the threat of sin
To Promote Good works
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
To Uplift the Heart
Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
Giving Ministry
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Giving is a gift of grace given to believers to meet the temporal ministry needs of the kingdom of God.
Turn the Affliction with Generosity verse 2
Even though we are in a pandemic, and a brewing crisis, we can turn any affliction in the situation around through the spirit of giving. Giving in the time of adversity is an act of giving ourselves to God fro the accomplishment of His will.
Give of Your Best verse 3
God expects us to give our best even in the worst of times.
Give by the Will of God verse 5
We give not because someone asks, but because we are committed to God first, and submitted to doing His will.
Acts of Kindness
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Share food for someone in need
Pick up Groceries for an elder
Show Appreciation to someone
We can do acts of kindness at any time. They demonstrate the goodness of God to others, especially in challenging times.
Prophetic Ministry
1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Desire to Prophesy
The scripture teaches us to desire the gift of prophecy because it edifies others. Especially during times of crisis, a prophetic utterance can help to admonish, guide, and build up believers. A prophetic word from God can bring clarity in difficult circumstances.
Prophecy Uplifts and Admonishes
1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Convinces Unbelievers
Prophecy is more effective in convincing unbelievers of God’s presence than the other gifts of the Spirit. During times of a pandemic, a clear and powerful word of prophecy can show an unbeliever that God is speaking. I am not talking about personal, frivolous utterances spoken by some, but clarifying, Biblical, admonishing revelations and prophetic utterances that warns, corrects, and uplifts. They may even include revelations of future events. These can convince the unbeliever of God’s presence.
1 Corinthians 14:24-25 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on hisface he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
