The Ministry of Presence It is now summer and the heart of vacation season. It is time to remind everyone of “the ministry of presence.” One of the interesting studies of the scripture is “the ministry of the Holy Spirit” and His provision of “gifts” to the church. The heart of this teaching is located in the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians, Chapters 12 – 14. In 1 Corinthians 13 we are told “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (verse 13). This word “love” (“agape” in Greek) is translated perceptively as “charity” in older English versions of the Bible. In other words, it does not mean sentiment, it means action. “Agape” is the sentiment of love actively demonstrated in conduct. I think one of the greatest acts of love a believer can demonstrate toward his or her church is to faithfully attend. Especially is this true during the vacation months. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 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 10:24, 25. I wonder, which habit have you acquired – that of meeting with believers or that of not meeting with them? There is now and always has been competition for your time. The early Christians had gardens to tend and business to conduct. Today we have competition from youth sports, amusements, recreation and yes, gardening and business. So let me ask: if you don’t make time for the worship of God now, when will you? Life is busy. People have always been busy and tired. For the early Christians, meeting at church could be dangerous. They could lose social standing, lose a business deal, have their gardens raided, and in some instances (especially later under Nero) become martyrs. Are you expending so much energy on Saturday that you are too tired to attend church on Sunday? The people who first read these words from Hebrews 10 included slaves who were tired at church meeting time. Still, the instruction remains. Do you want to be a strong follower of Christ? Do not forsake the assembly. Do you want to be encouraged? Do not forsake the assembly. Do you want to encourage others? Do not forsake the assembly. Do you want to learn God’s ways for your life? Do not forsake the assembly. The “ministry of presence” means that regardless of the situation, you will make every effort to be in church Sunday. You will be there to encourage and to be encouraged. You will be there to learn from others and to pass on lessons you have learned. The “ministry of presence” is a ministry that recognizes that poor attendance weakens the morale of other believers and diminishes the church’s witness to the world. Yes, I am a pastor. Like other pastors, maybe all of them, I spend several hours preparing a sermon for the benefit of the congregation. And yes, my spirit is lifted by seeing people present to listen and learn. But that is not my motive for writing. My motive is this: let the witness of your church be as strong in the summer as possible. Be a light to the world and become stronger in the faith yourself. Practice the ministry of presence.