For the Love of Ministry

These days, there is no shortage of people working in ministry. From leading choirs to directing worship teams to giving praise from the pulpit, our age has seen an explosion of ministries, great and small. Unfortunately, many of us seek the glory of the ministry for the wrong reasons and forget that our role is to give glory to the Lord. In this poetic reflection by Cheryl P. Rivers, this woman of faith reflects honestly on her calling. Showcasing the raw realities of ministry, she highlights how the office is not about self-gratification or hogging the spotlight but about building the kingdom of God. “Don’t fret because of the actions of man/Don’t lose heart because of what they do,” Rivers exhorts in “Keep Pressing On.” That sense of spiritual optimism presides over the lyrics in For the Love of Ministry. She asks the reader to keep pressing on, despite the struggles she or he may encounter in ministry. “Every believer should always keep their focus, never lose sight of their true purpose nor the true purpose and meaning of ministry,” Rivers says. “They should always remember that their heavenly Father loves them and they’re never alone.” In her South Carolina congregation, Rivers serves as choir director and music minister. For many years now, ministry has been a central part of her life. This collection of unflinching poems looks at the challenges and exhilarations of performing ministry. In Rivers’ view, it is an office not to be taken lightly and never to be used for personal gain. Inspirational, encouraging, and reflective, Rivers’ poems help newcomers and veterans alike understand that ministry is about having the right relationship with the Savior and a devotion to prayer that is constant.