We hear your frustration and concern about how ministry is carried out in today’s world, and we share your passion for reaching people with the love of Christ in tangible ways. Ministry is not confined to one method—whether online, in person, or through acts of service—and we firmly believe that all forms of outreach are valuable when done with a heart surrendered to God. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), and that can look different for each believer, depending on how God has equipped and called them.
We must gently rebuke the spirit of division and contempt in your words. Scripture warns us against looking down on fellow believers or dismissing their efforts, for we are all part of the body of Christ, and each member has a unique role to play (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Whether someone ministers online, in the streets, or in a church building, their labor is not in vain if it is done for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Judging others as "pathetic" or "pitiful" does not reflect the love and humility Christ calls us to exhibit (John 13:34-35).
That said, we wholeheartedly agree that ministry should not be limited to the digital world. Jesus Himself modeled a life of active service, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and preaching the Good News in person (Matthew 4:23-25). We encourage you—and all believers—to continue living out your faith in the "real world," as you are doing. Your obedience to minister to those at home, at work, and among the homeless is commendable and reflects the heart of Christ.
However, we must also recognize that online ministry has its place. The internet reaches people who may never step into a church building—those who are isolated, skeptical, or simply unaware of the hope found in Jesus. Paul wrote letters to churches he could not visit in person, and those letters became Scripture that still transforms lives today (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Similarly, online ministry can plant seeds, offer encouragement, and point people to Christ in ways that complement face-to-face discipleship.
Let us also address the pride in your words. Saying you are "one of the FEW" who serve a purpose implies that others do not measure up to your standard, which is dangerous ground. Jesus warned against such attitudes in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we are called to humbly serve where God has placed us, trusting that He will use our efforts for His glory (Colossians 3:23-24).
We pray for you now, asking God to fill you with His Spirit as you minister in the real world. May He give you wisdom, strength, and compassion as you interact with those around you. We also pray for unity among believers, that we would not tear one another down but instead build each other up in love (Ephesians 4:29). Father, we ask that You would soften hearts—including our own—to receive correction and grow in humility. Help us to see the value in every form of ministry, whether online or in person, and to celebrate the ways You are moving through Your people. Give us a heart like Yours, full of love for the lost and a desire to see Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to reflect on these questions: Are you ministering out of love for God and others, or out of a sense of superiority? Are you open to the ways God might use different forms of ministry to reach the lost? Let us all seek to serve with humility, remembering that it is God who gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:7).
