Directions – January-February 2024
by Barbara Lane Geistfeld, D.V.M., Assistant Director of Volunteer Relations
In our series of informative articles directed toward the Lutherans For Life ministries within the Body of Christ—Life Advocates, Life Teams, Life Chapters—we have been discussing the “Nine Facets of a Successful Life Ministry.” We believe these facets, or important principles, are essential components of your Life ministries that will enable you to be fruitful and to reach your full potential as Gospel-motivated voices For Life.
The next facet to be addressed is how you interface with other organizations and ministries as you consider supporting them or inviting them to speak (e.g., pregnancy resource centers, hospice facilities, adoption agencies, nursing homes).
The Oxford dictionary defines the verb interface as follows: “to interact with (another system, person, organization, etc.),” as in, “His goal is to get people interfacing with each other.”
As part of the Lutherans For Life Frontline, your definition is more critically focused. As Christ-centered Life Chapters, Life Teams, and Life Advocates, you want to be interfaced—interacting in a relational manner and having good working relationships—with Christ centered, life-affirming agencies.
Isaiah 55:8 reminds us of an important truth: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.” But, as a member of the Body of Christ, given through God’s grace and mercy in your Baptism, you have been gifted with the “thoughts and ways” of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit who lives in you!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Your life ministry is part of the Body of Christ! This means you must carefully select any ministry partners with which you interface by careful planning, detailed research of that organization, and prayerful examination of their ministry. Here are four key areas in which your life ministry should align with a partner’s ministry:
- Theological essentials—Does the potential partner group affirm your church’s core theological teachings?
- Mission—Does the potential partner fit with your ministry’s mission and strategies?
- Values—Does the partner match your ministry’s values on the sanctity of life from fertilization to forever as expressed in God’s Word? Partner with someone who values life. Also, you value grace, truth, and Gospel-motivated words. You would not want to partner with a ministry that is abrasive or confrontational.
- Partnership—Does the partner embrace your ministry on an equal basis? Beware of partners whose attitude is “Here’s what we can do for you.” You want a partner that answers your question, “What can we do for you?” with meaningful opportunities to share your knowledge and ministry values.
Throughout this entire process of choosing life-affirming partners with which to interface, it is important to involve your pastor and church leaders. Any partnership that involves your Life Team, Life Chapter, or role as a Life Advocate deeply and directly involves your local church as well. Make sure you share all gathered information with your pastor/leaders so decisions of this magnitude are made together.
May God bless your labors as you seek to expand your Gospel-motivated life outreach to those around you.
For additional assistance, you may contact the Volunteer Relations Team.