To be true partners in ministry, we must talk honestly about power. That’s complicated. We encounter the rawest moments in people’s lives and speak of God’s power, love, and forgiveness—concepts that can feel foreign or even unwelcome. How do we share what matters most to us without pushing people away? How do we relate to power without alienating others?

Jesus is clear: “The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who raises themselves up will be humbled, and anyone who humbles themselves will be raised up.” It’s not about having power but how we use it—to love, to hold possessions lightly, to notice those at the margins. True power is revealed in service.

This means approaching others with humility and asking, “What can I do for you?” God cares less about what we say we believe and more about how love shows up in our lives. Building real partnerships takes time because it means building real relationships.

Real partnership begins with admitting we don’t have all the answers and committing to act out of God’s love for the whole world. It’s about showing up with curiosity, sharing resources, and joining others in God’s work.

At the heart of Jesus’ teaching gives us a name—Love. You are a beloved child of God. Everything in ministry flows from that truth. When we live as beloved, we don’t need to grasp for power or prove we’re right. We simply join God’s work of love, together.

“You are a beloved child of God.”