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Ministry Through Friends

Getting the Sermon We All Need

By Leslie WilliamsPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Last year I was offered two positions in a different city. I was so excited about the opportunities but it required me to up-root myself from everything I knew and loved in Philadelphia. I had to quickly prepare to be a part-time college professor and full-time researcher; the goals I have set myself were finally happening. When I told my family and friends about the new opportunities and the relocation, they were so excited for me. Their excitement and support for my career goals meant so much to me. I was so proud.

Least to say, I accepted both positions and started both jobs at the same time. Two weeks after I started my full-time job, I was let go. I remember sitting in my car once I left and I cried out, “God, how can this happen to me?” I didn’t know what to do so I started to look for another job immediately. I was so embarrassed to tell my family and chose not to tell them right away. I did, however, call one of my close friends and shared my devastating news. Whenever I am in a rut, I reach out to a friend. I have found this to be helpful to gain a different perspective on life. After I told my friend the news, she responded, “You moved to teach and the other job was a bonus. Now that the other job is out of the way, you can really have time to make your class your own.” I was like “WOW! God, you really do work through people." He knows that I cherish and value my friends’ opinions about me. Even though I felt like I was a failure, my friend did not see it that way. She saw the lemons I was given and provided me with another way to make lemonade. The best part about this was that I wasn’t alone in it. That conversation is what I call ministry through friendship.

I have listed below a few pieces of nontraditional advice of understanding ministry through friends. As millennials move further from religion and closer to spirituality, the ministry of friendship will be ever more important.

1. Choosing the right friendship circle.

Most of us surround ourselves with likeminded people. That’s okay, but sometimes you need to be around people who see the world a little differently than you do. Find people who will be with you when you’re up or down, and right or wrong. I like to call these friends your “confidants.” Find people who are supportive, honest, and trustworthy. Surround yourself with people who can accept you for who you are now, but can also envision who you are capable of being. Remember that your friend circle will change and grow as you change and grow. These types of friendships help you to be the best YOU you can be.

2. Be a good friend.

Sometimes you have to look at yourself through others' eyes.” Ask yourself, “Am I a good friend? Do I possess the qualities I look for in a friend?" Your friends are like mirrors; you should see in them what you see in yourself. Make sure that you are supportive, honest, respectful, etc.

3. How do I know if I’m being ministered correctly?

Your cup is consistently being filled. Your friends are essentially a reflection of who you are, what you think, and how you think. You can feel the love and support offered by friends. Genuine friendship will teach you things about yourself and others. Good friends can help you answer that “who am I?” question. You will know if you are being ministered correctly if you can see yourself in every angle of the mirror you call a friend.

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About the Creator

Leslie Williams

Young professional trying to live life with a purpose.

Reader insights

Nice work

Very well written. Keep up the good work!

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  1. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  2. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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