Do Sumthin'

Do Sumthin’

Bill Brinkworth

God’s intention for each person after they are saved is not just to sit around minister to others and soak up knowledge from church, but to do something that would get more people saved, and more living for the Lord. It is God’s purpose for each of us. Each child of God should be a tool that God can use for His glory, utilizing the spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:4-8) He has entrusted with each individual.
These gifts, and our special talents and abilities, can be used to reach the lost and glorify God in many different ways. Each of us can be an important cog in reaching the world for the glory of God. We all can do something.
Here are some of the ministries in which I have seen many serving the Lord:

Preaching ministry. There are many that God has called and directed to reach the world with His message by enabling them to preach. Preaching is not always from the pulpit on Sunday, but many have preached at subway stations, by the side of the road, public gatherings, or wherever they could expound God’s Word publicly. God can use the angels to preach His message, but instead He has chosen people to tell the world of His will and way. Some have “preached” by not even uttering a word, but “speaking” boldly by their Christian example in public. Most of us would not be saved, if it were not for someone’s “preaching” God’s truths to us!
Teaching ministry. Some have been burdened to teach the world what God’s Word says. If a teacher does not teach them, who will? Many have used their talents, hobbies, or interests in making God’s Word clear to those they have taught. I have seen some use Gospel magic, art, puppets, and even their interest in animals to get the attention of many; and while using their teaching medium, teaching the audiences biblical principles.

As a beginning Sunday school teacher I was looking for a ministry that would keep children’s interest, make Sunday school exciting so that they would come back again, and still reach them with Gospel truths. After using illusions to get Bible truths out, God has blessed that Gospel magic ministry for almost 30+ years with hundreds clearly understanding biblical principles and being saved.
Visitation ministry. Many churches have organized visitation at least one day a week, where all go, usually in groups of two’s, to visit shut-ins, those that have previously visited the church, or just to knock on neighboring doors to invite people to church. Sometimes there are even opportunities to tell the people how to be saved. Millions have been saved by this method. If a church does not have this opportunity, then people can still visit their neighbors, canvas their community or contact anyone the Lord puts on their heart as a ministry unto the Lord. Telling others God’s Good News is not just a pastor’s responsibility; we are all to go and tell!
Nursing home ministry. I call it the “Last Chance Ministry,” because for many of the home’s residents, it is the last opportunity many have to hear how to be saved or to learn more of God’s word before they leave this world. In this ministry, one can preach to those living at the facility, or just visit those that are there. Many in the homes have lost their loved ones and are lonely, and could certainly use an encouraging visit.
Tract Ministry. A “tract” is a little piece of paper that has the plan of salvation on it, or teaches some biblical truth. They are very inexpensive. They can sometimes be obtained at one’s church or purchased at a Christian bookstore (The Bible Views available on this site were created for this purpose). These tracts can be left in bathrooms, given to toll booth attendants, handed to a person waiting in line with us in a restaurant, included in an envelope when paying bills, or be given out to those that we come in contact with every day.
Van or Bus ministry. Many churches have a bus or van ministry where a vehicle picks up children and adults and brings them to church. Get involved as a driver or worker. If your church does not have such a ministry, start one with your own vehicle. Bring as many as you can to hear God’s message. Someone may be saved because of your efforts.
Singing or music ministry. Singing in church services is available in most churches. Some have even taken their ability and sung on their own in hospital or nursing home rooms. I know of one woman that works in a nursing home. As she goes to different patients during the day, she asks if she can sing them a hymn, and if they agree she sings one to them. Another man visits those sick in the hospital. He brings his guitar with him, and sings and plays for anyone that wants him to.
Minister to those that are sick or shut-ins. Have you experienced health problems where you were bed or housebound? Perhaps you felt cut off from the world because no one visited you. Others feel the same way. When you hear of one that is not well, send them a card, or even visit them. It is a wonderful opportunity to be a Christian influence for someone that needs encouragement.
Prison ministry. Prisons are often a place where folks are willing to listen to what the Bible has to say. It may be difficult to get into this ministry, but if the Lord desires you to get involved with those that are detained, He can open the doors of opportunity for you to minister in this needy field.
Card Ministry. People need encouragement. Send a birthday, sympathy, get well, or “praying for you” card to people God puts on your heart to encourage. E-mailing or calling them are also ways to be a Christian encouragement to others.

My wife has been doing this for over 30+ years, and has consistently sent out at least 3-5 cards most weeks. For children’s birthdays, she often includes a dollar. It is not much, but it shows the children that she is thinking and praying about them.
Writing ministry. God has always preserved His teaching with the written Word. His Message can still be given out using this media. One can expound what the Bible teaches by getting articles published in newspapers (letters-to-the-editor are a good place to tell others the biblical philosophy about a current matter). Articles can be published in Christian newsletters, web sites, and other publications. Some have even prayerfully picked names out of phonebooks, written to strangers, and given them the plan of salvation.
Help ministry. Some notice a need in others’ lives and help them meet it; be it a visit to a lonely person or to one going through difficult times, babysitting for a working single parent, or even doing household chores for someone who is physically unable to do certain things. Do it as unto the Lord!
Prayer ministry. Everywhere you look, people have needs. We cannot always do something physically to help others, but we can pray for them. Make others’ needs your prayer burdens, and bombard God’s throne with pleas for His help in the lives of those that are needy.
Discipling. People may be saved, but they often do not know what to do next or how to do it. For this reason, many never grow spiritually. If you feel led by the Holy Spirit, take a person under “your wing.” Spend time with them. Take a special interest in them. Perhaps your influence will help encourage them to also live for the Lord. Be a godly example for them to learn by.
Meals. Prepare meals for those that may be going through a difficult time and may not be able or have the time to cook a meal. Cook a dinner for one who just had a baby or for someone that is sick. It also will be an encouragement to them when they see that someone cares about them.
Exhorting others. Everyone gets discouraged at times or goes through hard times. While down in their “valley”, they could certainly use someone’s kind words of encouragement. Checking up on people by telephone when they are missed in church, or somewhere else, tells them that they are important to someone. That fact alone encourages people. We may have thought that no one ever visits us or encourages us, but when was the last time you helped another in their time of need!
Widows ministry. There are not too many things harder than being married to a person for a long time and losing them in death. Widows need to be encouraged. Visit them. Help them do things that perhaps their deceased spouse used to do. They are often alone and can certainly use a friend and some help.
Reading the Bible to people that cannot read anymore. Some cannot read or cannot see to read anymore. Make it your ministry to faithfully read to them. I often encourage those in my nursing home ministries that if they want to serve the Lord in some way that reading the Word of God is something many of them can still be involved in. Over the years, many have taken the suggestion and have been a blessing to others.
Be a friend. Most know what it is like not to have a friend. Some take it upon themselves to be a friend to someone who does not seem to have one.
Deaf or language interpreting ministry. Hearing the Word of God is essential. The deaf, or those that speak another language, may not hear it unless someone helps them understand God’s truths in the language they can understand.
Hospitality ministry. Meet the needs of others by allowing visiting preachers, or others to stay in your spare room. We know of one couple that opens up their home to those serving in a ministry, and lets them have a free vacation and get rested to continue in the work God has placed them in.
Flea Market or Fair Minstry. One man goes to a flea market, rents a booth, and witnesses to all that pass his table. He gives out tracts, gives out Bibles, and even prints out Bible Views for people to freely take. Others, have a full-time ministry doing the same thing, but at state fairs.

One of the great commandments that each Christian is to obey is to “… love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 Doing something for others and making their needs important to you is showing love to them. Making others a priority in our lives also gets our mind off ourselves and can enable others to see the love of Christ through you.

If you have the desire to make a difference in this world for the cause of Christ, ask God to give you the ministry He wants you to have. After that, look for the opportunity He gives you to do something for Him. There is something all can do. There is a very needy world out there. Everyone has a hurt, a discouragement, or a need. God often uses other Christians to meet those needs. He wants to use you, if you are willing.

Be a blessing to somebody today. If you do not tell or show them about how good God is and the truths from God’s Word, who will? It is way past time for all to “do sumthin’” for the Lord!

Other ministries — submitted by Don Frith:
Here are some areas of ministry I have seen, or participated in:

radio/tv media.
audio/cd recording of sermons and visiting pastors.
ministry to military, especially singles. Eeven small bases have singles away from home (while I was in training in Memphis, several churches had ministries for those in military schools, as well as the training school for the Baptist Hospital student nurses program. They would pick us up on Sunday AM and take us to church, then they fed us each week. They usually had a gym or meeting area where we could play games, roller skate , and just get away from the base for the afternoon, then after the evening service take us back. It was a great way to help with homesickness of sitting around the barracks all the time.)
college ministry similar to military.
creating and printing fliers and weekly bulletins (associated with your writing ministry, except gets into graphic and publishing.
physical plant upkeep (repairs and janitorial).
kitchen/food – coordinating food for gatherings, supervising kitchen operations and utensils, and coordinating food for shut-ins and bereaved families after an immediate family death.
crocheting/knitting small receiving blankets and assembling a newborn supplies kit for the new mothers of the church ( even those adopting children).
shut-ins – coordinating kids and adults to help shut-ins with things they can no longer do or afford to do, like cutting grass, painting, landscaping, plumbing, electrical, and providing cool in summer or heat in winter.
church coordinated baby sitting for low income couples that have trouble affording to go out on a 'date nite' that all couples need to have.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10

This lesson was featured in The Bible View #444.