Ministry of Reconciliation

While reading The Peacemaking Pastor this weekend, I was struck by one paragraph. Here is the quote:

"A ministry of reconciliation is not an appendage to real ministry. Peacemaking is not one skill among many that pastors keep in their ministry toolbox. Peacemaking is the embodiment fo pastoral ministry even as Christ is the embodiment (incarnation) of the God of peace. By word and by deed, every moment of a pastor's life is a moment wherein we call others to be reconciled to God. And every word we preach or counsel ought to be the Word (John 1:1) that is full of grace and truth - the Word of peace" (Alfred Poirier, The Peacemaking Pastor, 87).

To this I say a hearty amen! However, I also realize how difficult it is to pursue a ministry of reconciliation. When everyone desires the glory of God, then this has potential.

But, we all know that the glory of God is often far from our hearts, and it is the last thing we think about in our relational struggles.

Therefore, I believe a ministry of reconciliation includes modeling peacemaking in our personal lives. And, we must be willing to persevere at all costs. Only then will our congregations and the world be convinced that we truly desire a culture of peace be a reality in our churches, marriages and families.

~ Jim