AMY LARSON
Staff Writer
Upon hearing the word, “minister,” the image that most likely springs to mind involves a man dressed in a suit, standing in a church building and speaking to a congregation. Pepperdine students prove that this view of ministry is, in fact, too narrow.
Students Courtney Hong, a senior journalism major, and junior Christopher Hawkins, an international studies and intercultural communication major, may not seem like ministers at first glance. Neither are majoring in religion and neither have plans to go to seminary. To Hong, however, ministry has less to do with years of schooling and more to do with relationships.
“I love people,” Hong said. “Every person whom I interact with has been brought into my life because of God. My purpose is to honor God daily and to, by His power, know and love people where they’re at while being real, whether they share my beliefs or not.”
Hong said ministry is present in daily living. It is not just something that should occur on a certain day of the week or at a particular service. Hong said her activities include leading a small group on campus, providing rides to church and simply caring for the people around her by sending them e-mails, cards or notes of encouragement. Ministry, Hong said, is inseparable from Christian life.
“[It] is not just a segment of life,” she said. “I believe that God intends ministry to be more than Christians doing the routine … once or twice a week surrounded by other Christians and by walls of a building.”
Hawkins agreed.
“Ministry is delivering a positive message that will affect the life of the individual,” he says.
Hawkins explained that Jesus ministered to people by showing them that he loved and cared for them. Although Christ was never specifically trained to be a Jewish rabbi, it is unlikely that many would argue the validity of his ministry. Jesus exemplified a ministry that loved the person, no matter what their social class, background, or beliefs, something Hawkins believes is not present enough in the modern church.
“[Jesus] was accepting of everybody,” Hawkins said. “I think that’s really key.”
While Hong tries to follow this example in the best way she can, perfection is not a goal that can be reached.
“Jesus is pure, humble, and obedient,” Hong said. “I’m not. Yet in all my filth he wants me to know him intimately. He enables me to change the impossible and to live to serve others.”
Furthermore, far from being restricted to those with a Master of divinity degree, Hawkins and Hong said they believe ministry is a daily mission for each and every Christian and challenge us to rethink our relationships in terms of who can be as Christians and as ministers.
“Students can be ministers just by taking a step back from the busyness that drives them each day and go out of their way to let people know that they care,” Hong said.
Hawkins adds to Hong’s assertion.
“The ministry of love is the post powerful ministry; you can show love to others by helping them when they need it,” he said. “The average Christian has a responsibility to minister in their own ways according to their gifts, but anybody can show love.”
Ministry is an essential part of Christianity for Hawkins and Hong. They said they believe God has called everyone to be ministers to the people around them. Christians must search themselves and wonder if they truly live out the words and beliefs of Jesus’ life.
03-16-2006
