How do you conceive "ministry"?

Michael Spencer says:

It concerns me that so many of these young people believe that ministry is talking about theology and being cheered on for believing the right things and having the right heroes. Paul writes that ministry that is blood, sweat and tears. He was dealing with the Corinthians, and yes, he wrote them letters full of good theology. But how often in Paul’s letters do we read about the part of ministry that has little to do with books or theological debate, and much to do with building relationships, setting an example, choosing the difficult way and nurturing the immature into new ways of living? concieve

What is Paul talking about in II Corinthians 6 when he says he is poor, unknown, sorrowful, afflicted, imprisoned and has nothing? He’s talking about ministry. Alongside the peace, joy and power of the Spirit were persecutions, beatings, desertions and difficulties.

John Piper repeatedly says that God isn’t glorified by the prosperity Gospel. Prosperity is glorified. God is glorified when the value of his son is demonstrated in our choice of Jesus instead of comfort. This isn’t just a message for the young person choosing missions in the Muslim world. It’s true about much of ministry anywhere. Even where the enemies of the Gospel are no more dangerous than the Women’s Studies professor at the local university picketing across the street and the adversity is nothing more than a few carping phone calls, the price and pain of ministry is still real. And the opportunity to glorify Jesus by being faithful in those difficulties is also real.

Read the whole post here.