The Ministry Of Presence

The Ministry of Presence

Have you ever been around someone suffering, and you didn’t know what to say? It happens to pastors a lot, as we walk into hospital rooms or intensive care units, or worse, meet with families for funeral preparation. As I prepare people for the viewing and funeral, I often tell them that they need to come to the service with grace in their hearts for what people will say. You see, we aren’t terribly comfortable with those who are suffering or grieving, so sometimes, in our discomfort, we will say things that are awkward, rude, or not theologically sound. I have heard some grieving people say, “Yeah, someone told me that if I had more faith, he wouldn’t have died.” What a tragedy!

As a pastor, I have learned the importance of what is called the ministry of presence. It isn’t terribly vocal, and it isn’t always looking for the right words to say. As a matter of fact, more often than not, the ministry of presence is absolutely silent. It is simply being present. When someone is suffering in a deep way, your presence will do more good than your words.

You see, your presence communicates to that person that he or she is a priority to you. Your presence declares you care. Your simple presence at that person’s side during a time of loss or grief communicates that he or she is not alone.

Notice the example of the ministry of presence in Job 2:11 and 13: “When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. . . . Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”

Don’t force the words when you don’t know what to say. Be present, and be confident that your presence is enough.

When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. . . . Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.

Job 2:11, 13