Levels of Ministry

But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 5:15-16

There is a time for corporate services of teaching and healing, but we also need time with God in prayer alone. Jesus set this example for us. More and more people came to hear Him and be healed by Him. He had a mega church before there was even a building to contain it. He didn’t create a platform to get a following on social media. He didn’t create books to sell with five easy steps. Yet, people flocked to Him in the thousands. They sought Him out.

His ministry was one of the large ministry to the multitudes, but also teaching his disciples and then withdrawing into solitude to pray to the Lord. It is easy to get sucked into the business of ministry and miss the part of teaching and being in a small group relationship where iron can be sharpened. Jesus was the Son of God and yet He also had small group that He taught and grew with. Then He also prioritized getting alone with the Father. We need the same in our calling. We see it throughout the Church of the New Testament, ministry to the multitude, small groups in homes and then prayers individually.

Lord, I want to do life with others well. It is easy for me as an introvert to just enjoy my time alone with You but I know You have called me to community and have a plan and purpose for me. I want to walk in Your fullness in every level of ministry.