‘Ministry from the Margins’
In his essay, ‘Ministry on the Margins’ theologian and church minister, Dominque Gilliard, grappled with the question of how one best cares for marginalised people, those who have been isolated from community, even stigmatised by society.
Dominic was especially drawn to the nameless Canaanite woman from a condemned community considered bitter enemies of Israel. The woman cried out to the Lord, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon possessed.” In spite of the disciples’ protestations, and after hearing of the woman’s great faith, Jesus healed her daughter. But, Jesus went further and provided restoration beyond the woman’s request. Through the restoration, the nameless woman and her daughter are free to experience life anew socially, culturally and relationally.
In fact, we read in the Bible that two Canaanite women, Tamar and Rahab are included in the direct genealogy of Jesus. This is significant because Tamar’s life symbolises one of the most unlikely characters of Biblical faithfulness, not only because of her vocation, but also due to the marginalisation and stigmas it caused. The fact these two Canaanite women are included within the traceable lineage of Christ is not coincidental. Jesus became identified with their marginalisation Christians working in, and with, media can often feel marginalised because of our faith. We may not be isolated or even stigmatised by society, but experience a sense of frustration in the progression of our media careers. The good news is that Jesus sees your heart, and is on your side. As we are transformed daily by the power of the Holy Spirit, we take on the mind-set of Christ to be salt and light in our media workplace; to be that beacon of love, grace and compassion.
At the time of writing this article, Christians in Media is busy preparing the opening weekend of our 2022 Mentoring Programme. We are so delighted with this year’s applicants, who are all remarkably, talented women. Our heart is to see each one flourish in their faith like so many wonderful women in the Bible; to be influential for the Kingdom; to know that Jesus will be on their side and that nothing will stop them from achieving everything God has for them. Please pray for this new cohort of mentees as they embark upon a programme, that we hope will help shape their media careers for the glory of our amazing God.
