I know it’s kind of the new idea/fad in ministry leadership, this idea of third culture. I’m so down for multi-ethnic ministries, and going to the downtrodden and overlooked, and all of that.

At the same time, though, I keep hearing this idea that “we reach out to people like us, because, well, we really like us.” I’ve heard it a dozen different ways recently, and I have to respectfully disagree.

I think a lot of us reach out to people like us because we know us, and we know how to minister to us. I don’t think it’s always a selfish thing that we do to stay within our little comfort zones. I know how to minister to people who are going through things that I’ve been through – I know what they’re feeling, I know the lies they’re being fed, I know what keeps them awake at night, I know the scripture that will stick to their spirits when they need it, an I know support groups that can help them.

Even more than that, my experience gives me the authority to speak to them about it. I can sit and listen and advise and pray authentically, because I’ve been there.

On the other hand, there are people going through some stuff that I have no idea how to minister to. I have no experience with – for example – domestic abuse or rape. Of course, the Holy Spirit can use anyone, but I know when I was hurting I wanted to talk to someone who knew my pain.

And, of course, we welcome people who find their ways into our ministries who aren’t like us. We do our best as much as they’ll let us. Of course. But I think a lot of people don’t reach out to people who aren’t like us because – what would we do if we got their attention?

Jesus knows everyone’s pain, and God can use anyone. It’s true. I just don’t think that ministries and pastors and Christians reach out to people similar to themselves because they’re afraid of the unknown or disinterested in other people. I think most of us have limited time and limited resources, and we want to do the best we can.

So that’s really long, but I think we need to be careful about adding to the list of pressures and expectations on ministry leaders.