Ministry in a new context
Back in October I started a new part-time job. I’m a property inspector who contracts with mortgage lenders to be their “eyes and ears” for properties that may have issues. Most of the time I drive to homes, verify occupancy, deliver notices for mortgages in default, inspect vacant homes, and take lots of pictures. It’s flexible, pays fair, and gets me out to see people and their needs.
People are nice and courteous to me 99% of the time when I knock on their door. Frankly, I was surprised by that. With all the talk about the economy in the tank and so many people struggling to keep a roof over their head, you’d think they’d be angry at another person reminding them of a problem. Even with the one or two who have been confrontational, I’ve learned that kindness and respect given back to them helps diffuse the situation and assure them that I’m not involved in any funny business. After all, what would you think if a person drove up to your home and started snapping pictures?
I’ve even had opportunity to pray with a woman who was left by her husband and would be losing her home. Back when I was just out of college and preparing to join Athletes in Action, I met with a chaplain / pastor in Rome, GA to ask for his support and prayer. He was a member of my home church and knew me fairly well. After he heard my presentation about doing evangelism and discipleship, he said to me, “Matthew, in my experience I’ve learned there are a lot of hurting people out there that need to be ministered to.” I’ve never forgotten that advice whether I was in sports ministry, pastoral work, slinging boxes at Home Depot, or inspecting properties. It’s a privilege to offer the grace of God through Jesus Christ to any who want to know and to point them toward the help that is found in the Savior.
