The Simplicity of Ministry

By Lincoln Li, Flemingdon Park | Outreach Worker

COVID-19 has brought on many different challenges within urban ministry. Many questions arise such as: how do we keep the communities that we serve, as well as our staff safe? What will programming look like? How do we consistently engage and support the families, youth and children? Should we have small in-person gatherings with youth and children? How do we teach the bible? How do we continue to share the Gospel?

These questions were on the minds of staff as they looked for ways to continue to support their communities. The Ministry in Flemingdon Park, pre-pandemic, had been doing well. Lincoln, alongside his fellow Outreach Worker Nuri, served families, children and youth alike. However, when the pandemic hit, due to various reasons (such as not being able to connect with the parents, as well as technical difficulties) it proved difficult to do online ministry with the children. While they planned the perfect schedule -setting time for Bible and activities to do for the day, it did not go the way that they had planned. Instead, God revealed the importance of simplicity. Additionally, He also showed them how relationships are about being present and intentional. This shaped how Lincoln and Nuri continued ministry in Flemingdon Park. Small in-person gatherings ensued with the children (while practicing proper social distancing and PPEs in place ). They spent time at the park, in the basketball court, went on mini adventures around the neighbourhood, and taught the kids how to skateboard! In that seemingly structureless time, they deepened their relationship with the few kids that they hung around. Bible time became informal, teaching them a title or name of God, in 5-minute spurts. This had Lincoln wondering how they can spread the Gospel without explicitly teaching the Bible. While looking through a few Urban Ministry courses, Lincoln came across a speaker. They mentioned that in a holistic manner, the needs of the community should be addressed before theological teaching can take place. The lesson of loving your neighbour, being acquainted with them and building a relationship with them came to mind. Through this, your neighbour can see Christ in you. Another TCM staff mentioned that if there are circumstances where they are not able to teach the Bible, they should live out what they preach in hopes that this can start the conversation about Jesus Christ.

In Lincoln's own life, the lessons were a blur in his mind, but he clearly remembers what leaders in Sunday school or fellowship did and what they embodied – Christ’s love. The time spent with him, the love and support that they have given him is something he will always remember.