Ministry Cycle

I sometimes wonder if we get the pattern of ministry all wrong. We often make alot of effort to make ministry available (in whatever form) 'all the time' (be it every day, every week for 52 weeks of the year etc.). We do well at mustering resources to support this, building appropriate infrastructure, support etc. to enable it all to happen.

From a couple of episodes in Mark 6,  one could argue for a different approach. In v6-13 they are sent out with minimal resources. They are going to have to rely on whatever God turns up for them. Success was not guaranteed (v11).

And then in v30-32, on their return, Jesus takes them on a retreat. Time to refresh in His presence.

Quite different to the 'resource for continuous ministry' model.

Okay, so the needs are always there and can tend to cram in on us (v33f), but still the time alone was sought out (v45 - 46).

Maybe we would be better to try and identify cycles: stepping out in faith, going with what He gives, and then returning for deliberate periods of refreshment in His presence.