The Expense of Ministry.

I haven’t felt the expense of ministry until I became a member of a church. All my life my church dedication was solely showing up on Sunday, sometimes ushering and participating in some of the church events. I gave my tithes here and there, but no one held me accountable because I wasn’t a member. I never became a member of the church I went to in college because I didn’t feel it was necessary. It was a big church and had Sunday worship in two big buildings. One was a gym, and the other was a midsize sanctuary. I felt like just another face in the crowd. What would my little offerings matter?

The church I attend now is 10x smaller than my previous church and is rarely filled from the front to the rear on Sunday morning, making every new face easily recognized. I became a member of the church because they had a photographer position open. They allowed me to become the photographer before I became a member, but eventually I knew I would have to join the church because it would be selfish of me to take an opportunity from the church and not give them my dedicated membership.

Being the church photographer is a big responsibility because I’m the one and only photographer in the church. I’m expected to be at church every Sunday, or my absence would be noticeable because someone else would have to fill in for photography. I can no longer skip a Sunday when I have a minor cold or when I just don’t feel like going. Now, I go to church even when I don’t feel like it because I have a job to do. If I seriously cannot make it, then I notify someone so they can prepare a replacement.

Becoming a member of a church has shown me that ministry is more than just attending service on Sunday morning. It shows me that ministry is more than preaching, or singing Christian songs. Ministry is any form of service to God and fellow Christians. There’s nothing biblical about photography, but it is ministry because I am doing it for God and God’s people. I highly encourage every Christian to find a church home and become a member. Even if it is a mega church and you feel like there isn’t any more space for your service or need for your money. Ministry is also spiritual, and God will bless you for holding yourself accountable even if the church doesn’t notice you.