Out of my murky, sometimes slow and distracted mind and heart, I seem to be "seeing" a kind of vision for SoulLight Ministries. The weird thing is I haven't been looking! And it's a little scary to think about!
As some of you know about me, I am no fan of our materialistic, consumer oriented, market-driven culture. Period! In the religious area of our culture, I have been associated with ministries throughout most of my adult life and I have been an observer of religious organizations through the years and have seen all too often the marketing and public relations machines at work pumping out the "brand" and "product" of their ministries, and it has always made me uncomfortable.
Is the work of a ministry accomplished by the leading of the Holy Spirit as she guides and directs the ministry leadership and staff in service to others? Is the mission driven by a desire to serve God with him at the center of all ministry effort and motivation? Do the donations and offerings that are received the result of people being genuinely moved by the spiritual integrity and mission of the ministry? Or is much of the work of the ministry, staff, and donations the result of the slick, well oiled and varied marketing and public relation campaigns, not unlike any for profit corporation which pumps out its brand and product for consumption by it's consumers?
I am sad to say that my experience in working for various ministries through the years is there is at best a very blurred line between God honoring heart oriented ministry to those in need of spiritual help, and ministries that will drop the name of God as it feels it needs to in order to serve not so much God or others but rather to serve the marketing and public relations effort to bring in the greatest number of donations, so that it may continue to operate and do its work. The work done is often more social, therapeutic, or self-help (not all bad) with the intent of assisting "clients" on how to become successful, self-sufficient and more viable consumers in our market-driven culture, with little offered in the way of spiritual counsel or direction. And it troubles my heart.
All of that to say that when it comes to a SoulLight Ministries' vision I desire that it be a spiritually organic, mustard seed, from the bottom, to those in need ministry, founded and operating out of Jesus' great commandment to love God, and love others as we love ourselves. Period! And whatever comes from this is to the glory of God!
And so, as I see it right now, SoulLight Ministries' vision focuses in three main areas:
1. Contemplation - It starts and ends with each one involved seeking, willing a deeper experience in God. "...the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." (2 Corinthians 2:10).
2. Compassion - Coming along side and being there for those who are suffering and in need, making a difference by our presence in their lives. "...when [Jesus] saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered..." (Matthew 9:36).
3. Social Action - A Christian prays for God's will to be done on earth as in heaven. This necessitates not only continued prayer and compassion, but also social action, standing against injustice and oppression in this culture so that God's reign on earth expands and advances. "...what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8).
So there you have it!
Please comment and let me know what you think. I welcome and appreciate your input and suggestions. Thank you so much for your interest and please continue to follow SoulLight Ministries not only via this blog but also through our new SoulLight Ministries' facebook page. If you haven't already please consider "LIKING" our page so we can reach more facebook readers.
Peace for real,
Dennis
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