By Michele McGrath of Long Beach, California USA

…Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching. …be sober in everything, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

What does it mean to be persistent? Is persistence a good or a bad thing? Does it suggest a telemarketer calling you over and over again? Does it make you think of bill collectors, door-to-door salespeople, or (worst of all!?!) religious zealots with bullhorns on street corners, shouting the false binary of “getting saved” or eternal damnation?

I suspect this is not what the Timothy scripture means by persistence. Persistence is not outwardly directed at “them;” it is an internal framework for encouragement in the face of resistance. As Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith are fond of saying, “Don’t turn the cannon on your neighbor; turn it on yourself!”

What does a persistent disciple look like? A persistent congregation?

I have seen congregations who so want to be invitational that they persist in doing things that don’t feel like second nature at first, including dressing casually for worship, experimenting with forms of worship other than the traditional hymn-sandwich, being led by a diverse group of disciples rather than one presiding elder, and (gasp!) leaving the church building altogether to engage with the people who live in their church neighborhood.

I have experienced congregations who so desire to be truly welcoming and inclusive that they learn sign language, learn a different language (maybe the language of the surrounding neighborhood?), or learn a whole new language of gender and sexuality.

I hold deep admiration and love for those congregations who are finding their “one thing” and are persistently carrying out that mission to the best of their capacity and ability. Maybe they are focusing on providing support and spiritual formation for single parents, latter-day seekers, immigrant workers, the LGBTQ community, seniors, or military families.

It takes time to form a habit that feels comfortable. So, whatever you are called to do, carry out that ministry fully and persistently, no matter what.

Prayer Phrase

“…share abundantly in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

From Scarcity to Abundance

Take a deep breath and release your fear of “not enough.” Name one place of scarcity in your life, then name one way you already see abundance. Offer a simple prayer of gratitude: “God, open my eyes to your abundance.”

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.