The Ministry of Presence

I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name,

to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, 

and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs 

that you do not simply like them, 

but truly love them.

Henri Nouwen

Nouwen, a renowned theologian and pastor, highlights the importance of something called, “the ministry of presence”, something that every Christian can offer. Yet so often we miss the opportunities that God brings our way. 

How might this display itself? By letting our attention drift when someone talks to us, by impatience with explanations, impatience with children, impatient with those who interrupt us, impatient so we interrupt others. In short – we focus on ourselves. On our time, our tasks, our priorities.

The ministry of presence invites us to resist such responses, and instead focus on the other person and his or her needs. We know this is possible, because our model is the one we celebrate at Christmastime: Emmanuel – GOD WITH US. God sent his Son to earth to be present with us.

Nouwen’s comments describe this aspect of Jesus’s character and nature, and invite us to follow the example of our shepherd. Jesus never hurried. Jesus always was present with those he met. He listened to their stories, he dealt with their needs (sometimes felt needs; sometimes deeper needs), and by doing so he demonstrated his love for them.

When we slow down and give another person our full attention, we make it clear that we value them. Long before we speak, our body language and tone tell someone whether we are interested in knowing them or even caring about them…or merely interested in dispensing information to them. 

In this next week, you and I may have lots of extra opportunities to “be present” with people: parties at work, visiting relatives, seasonal Church events or social gatherings, as well as extra family activities and home-related projects. Each time, we have a choice about how we interact. Christmas is a wonderful time to learn – or re-learn – how to offer Jesus’ kind of love: the “ministry of presence”.

Let me pray for you as you head out into your day. 

Dear Lord, each of us have the opportunity to minister to others through being present with them – listening, serving and loving those who cross our path. I pray that those reading this blog may intentionally choose to follow the example of Jesus. May their words and actions invite others into relationship and help them know that they are valued. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Is there someone you could show love to this week simply by being with them?