When the lights fade and I’ve done what God has sent me to do, do you care about my wellbeing or am I just here to do a job and leave? – A question I’ve asked myself and heard asked by many people who have stepped out in faith into ministry. 2 Timothy 1 v 7 – For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
There are a lot of people within the UK and the rest of the world, who minister in various different ways. Some minister via, but not limited to, preaching, singing, dance, teaching, rapping, dee-jaying (applicable to me) etc. And although this will focus on the music side of ministry, I feel this will applicable in a lot of other cases outside of that. Now with ministry, comes sacrifice. Whether that’s sacrifice of certain friends, of time spent on other things, certain habits you got used to or your own life goals you set for yourself before God got you back onto his path. This means a lot of time is spent alone, by yourself, working and trying to be the best at what you can be for God, through your ministry. But as any person, stepping out on faith to do something which requires sacrifice or anyone who is trying to create their own lane, also classed as a ‘creative’ will tell you, there is a lot of battles that happen within the mind. A lot of the battles we have as Christians, start within our mind. A lot of discussions, a lot of arguments, a lot of doubting thoughts, a lot of comparison with others, a lot of confusion… happens all in the mind. While I or they could be ministering and looking all good to you from the outside, our state of mind is in disarray at times.
‘Why are you writing all of this, what is the point?’ – I ask myself.
When the music fades, when there is not a concert or event you see these Christian worshippers, artists, producers, musicians, DJs, rappers, radio hosts, music PR, event organisers at; what are you doing to make sure their wellbeing is OK? On a Tuesday afternoon, when nothing is ‘popping off’, when your favourite Gospel or Christian artist/producer/DJ etc. needs someone to pray for them, have you ever been that person? Do you care for them away from the music or are you praying for them so they can release more gospel music for you to listen to? Everyone needs prayer. Everyone needs the Love of God. We are in a time where we need God more than ever before. But understand that, from time to time, there is a battle happening in your favourite Gospel or Christian artists mind about whether or not they should continue doing what they are doing because they don’t have the aftercare or support once there is not a mic in their hand or they don’t have a new album out.
I write this for more love and understanding for those going on this journey called Ministry, no matter what field of ministry God has called you to. And I want people who see your ministry to care for you outside of your ministry and show love to you outside of what you bring to the table. If you see someone along this journey, encourage them, pray for them, show them love when they come off the podium or off the stage or after their event. Check up on them. Ask them how they are doing and actually care about how they are doing.
To all of those who are ministering and feel alone on your journey… I love you for who you are and I am praying for you and that you continue to have a sound mind in your walk with God.
