I recently attended a seminar at Pitt Memorial that was designed for ministers and nurses. The focus was on the healing power of “presence.” Research documents significant value to having a person that represents God present when people are in crisis and have need.

It is a powerful concept that underscores the fact that if all ministry occurs in traditional formats within the walls of the church then little real ministry would occur.

Out of the 132 personal contacts of Jesus with people in the New Testament, 122 of them took place outside of the place of worship. He met them in homes, businesses, the streets, and countryside.

Think about it, 92% of His ministry was in homes and the streets. The lesson is clear, the church must multiply persons that represent God to people and together touch people where they are and do it while they are in need. That is what “Spiritual Parenting” and “Maturing Disciples” is designed to do.