The Art of Procrastinating Ministry

Look, I get it. Life is a whirlwind of obligations. Work, school, soccer practice, PTA meetings, meal planning, and—oh yeah—bathing the kids so they don’t smell like a pack of feral raccoons. Somewhere in the mix, you might squeeze in five minutes to sit down before realizing you forgot to put the laundry in the dryer. Again.

So when someone says, “Hey, you should be ministering to others,” it’s easy to respond with, “Yeah, let me just pencil that in between my third existential crisis and my next cup of coffee.”

We treat ministry like it’s a luxury—something we’ll do when we finally “have the time.” But here’s the truth: you’ll never have the time. You make the time. And if you ever think that now isn’t the right time to spread the Gospel, let’s take a look at someone who had every excuse not to—and still did it anyway.

A Time for Everything (Even While Dying)

Jesus was literally dying on the cross—beaten, exhausted, dislocated limbs, bleeding out—and He still found the time to minister to the people beside Him. The people dying beside Him.

One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at Him, but the other one, recognizing who Jesus was, pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And what did Jesus do? Did He say, “Listen, buddy, I’ve had a long day, and I’m a little tied up right now”? No. He said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43 – Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”)

Even in His final moments—moments when He felt abandoned by the Father—Jesus still made time to bring one more soul into the Kingdom. “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” (Matthew 27:46)

If there was ever a time to focus on Himself, that would have been it. But He didn’t.

And here we are, claiming we don’t have time because of our packed schedules. Yikes.

Excuses vs. Eternity

It’s easy to think we’re not qualified to minister. “I’m not even good at this whole relationship-with-God thing myself, how can I tell others about it?” But here’s the kicker—Jesus didn’t call perfect people to spread the Gospel. He called fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots. He called the flawed, the broken, and the unsure. He called us.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

So if you think you’re not good enough, congratulations! You’re exactly the kind of person God wants to use.

So what’s our excuse again? That we’re busy? That we don’t feel worthy? That it’s not the right time? The right time is always now, and your imperfections don’t disqualify you—they make you relatable. No one wants to hear from a person who acts like they have it all together. People want to hear from someone who understands their struggles and can point them to the One who carries us through them.

Making Ministry Fit Into Life

Let’s make this practical. Ministry doesn’t have to be a grand event. You don’t need a pulpit or a theology degree. Ministry happens in everyday moments:

1. Talking to your coworker who’s struggling with life and offering to pray for them.
2. Sharing a piece of Scripture that encouraged you with a friend who’s going through a hard time.
3. Inviting a neighbor to church instead of just talking about the weather for the tenth time this week.
4. Showing the love of Christ in how you treat people, not just what you say.

Ministry isn’t something extra you tack onto your life—it’s how you live your life. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Notice that it says always. Not when you’re ready. Not when your schedule clears up. Not when you feel worthy. Always.

The Bottom Line

We can make all the excuses we want, but Jesus set the bar. If He could minister while suffocating on a Roman cross, we can probably manage it while sipping our morning coffee.

Maybe it’s a conversation you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s a friend who needs encouragement. Maybe it’s your own fear holding you back. Whatever it is, let today be the day you take that step.

Because it’s never too late. And there’s never a wrong time.

Closing Prayer

Lord, help us to see ministry not as a task, but as a way of life. Give us the courage to speak, the wisdom to listen, and the love to reach those around us. Help us to follow Jesus’ example, to use whatever time we have to share the Good News. Let us never be too busy, too tired, or too distracted to do what You have called us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call to Action

Let’s get real—when was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone? Not in a forced, awkward way, but just in normal conversation? This week, challenge yourself to do it. It doesn’t have to be a big, grand speech. Just one simple act of ministry. And when you do, come back and share how it went. Let’s encourage each other to step up and step out, even in the busiest seasons of life. Comment below, and let’s hold each other accountable!