"What does ministry look like?"

So often, we get asked this question, and many times we try to answer as best we can with our words. We try to share that we believe “full-time ministry” is not a specific position, a specific task, or a specific organization; full-time ministry is a way of life. Our lives are our ministry. As believers, we should all be in “full-time ministry” because our lives belong to God.

How we give of our time and resources to others is ministry.
How we love and lead our spouse is ministry.
How we raise our children is ministry.
How we serve in the local church is ministry.
How we live in relationship with others is ministry.

So, to answer the famous question of “What does ministry look like for you?” or “What does your everyday life look like?” ; it’s ministry in many different forms.

This past month, we had the chance to be involved in one location, but in four different ways.

Centro Educativo Ileana Peña

Some of you may know this partnering school and the special family who leads it. Others may not. Robin and Ileana (husband and wife) are dear friends who we were blessed to meet, know, and love from the beginning of our time in Santiago. Ileana started a school in 2008 out of her childhood home, and that school continues to stand strong in 2025.

From the moment we arrived in this country, Ileana has opened her school to us in so many ways. We’ve been blessed to love her, her staff, and especially her students. This month was no different. God gave us the privilege to continue to do ministry hand-in-hand with this amazing school and special couple.

So, what has ministry looked like? Here’s a glimpse.

Giving of the resources God has entrusted to us

This past month, we began sponsoring two kids to attend school at Centro Educativo Ileana Peña. These kids come from families who can’t afford schooling. Ileana reached out to us in confidence and asked if we (as a team) could help, maybe sponsor one student, or even part of one. By God’s grace, we were able to fully sponsor two students (covering monthly costs, enrollment fees, and books/materials) for the 2025–2026 school year.

The ministry here was simple: giving of the resources God first gave us. It’s not ours, it’s His. And when He tells us to give, we must give.

The local church rallying around a cause

This past month, Samantha (a dear family friend) and my mom led the charge back in Florida to gather school supplies for Centro Educativo Ileana Peña. They reached out to the local church, friends, and families. Two weeks ago, two boxes, each weighing over 100 pounds, were shipped to the Dominican Republic. In another week or so, these boxes will arrive and be delivered directly to the school. These supplies will bless not only this school year, but the next one too.

The ministry here was the body of Christ coming together, giving of their resources, time, and energy to bless a school doing an amazing work.

Getting our hands dirty

This past month, I had the opportunity to help Robin and his son Angel get the school ready for the first day of classes. They wanted to touch up paint throughout the building, but time was short. Over the course of two days, I spent about 8 hours painting to help this dear family prepare.

The ministry here wasn’t about money or even directly sharing the gospel, it was about giving time and effort to say, “I’m with you. I’m here for you.”

Relationships

And finally, this past month, ministry was simply being relational. Everything I just shared happened within the walls of the school, but it didn’t stop there.

Many don’t know this yet, but Morgan and I are moving from our apartment to a house next month (more details soon!). Robin and Ileana gave their time to tour the house with us and even served as our co-signers, something we needed in order to move forward. As we signed the contract together, they encouraged us every step of the way. Before leaving, we were already making plans for them to visit and come share a meal in our new home together.

Sometimes, ministry is just being in relationship with those around you.

Maybe this helps answer the famous question, “What does ministry look like for you?”
Maybe it doesn’t.

But my prayer is this: may we never forget that ministry is not a title, it’s a way of life.

“Ministry is not about a title or position. It is about a towel and a basin.” - Warren Wiersbe