Most churches face issues with ministries that have run their course. Their lifespan is over, but there are some well meaning members that refuse to let it go by the wayside. They don't want to take responsibility for the ministry, but they want someone to keep it going.
Years ago a church had a ministry to a women's shelter clothing closet. Every week, women from the church would go down and take clothes and fold clothes and spend time with the ladies that would come in looking for clothes.
Well, the person that led the ministry and organized it moved away. There was now no longer a leader. A notice was placed in the bulletin. Leader needed. The members of the group were informed that if no one would organize it, then it would take a break.
No one stepped forward. No one felt the call.
I made a trip to that closet to explain to the people who ran it what happened. I said, "This is why we will not be back for a while. But I promise you, when someone steps up to take responsibility, we will be here again."
The manager was so appreciative. She told me, you know, so many times, people just disappear and we don't know what happened. Thank you so much for coming to explain this to us.
Sometimes, ministries need to retire. No one left to run a thing? Don't force it on the congregation. Let people be involved with missions that they feel connected to.
Just because we always did it, does not mean that it must go on forever.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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