Paraclete: A Word for Ministry Practice

I think one of my favourite phrases for ministry with others is “to come alongside.”

Have you ever walked hand-in-hand beside someone and tried to do it out of rhythm? I dare you to try walking out of rhythm to the song Walking in Rhythm by the Blackbyrds. When you walk closely with someone, a child or spouse, there’s a chemistry that plays out, even if the child decides to dance or jump along the way.

As followers of Christ, we’re called to be “imitators of God.” God, the Holy Spirit, comes alongside us, in our need, in our weakness, prompting us, guiding us and helping us to be more like Jesus. As we serve others, coach others, disciple others, we too are called to come alongside others. Not as “better than,” or as an expert, but as guides pointing others, wherever they are on the journey, toward a deeper relationship with God.

As parents, we can represent God, the Holy Spirit, as we come alongside our children in their weakness. Not coercing our ideal behaviours, but leading, urging and encouraging a better way toward wisdom and away from folly. A Bible study note on Paraclete reads,

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Helper.” The Greek word paraclete means “one called alongside to help.” By giving us the Holy Spirit, Jesus shows us that He will never live at a distance. Following Him is not like chasing someone walking ahead of us; it’s like falling into rhythm with someone walking beside us.

Apply the Word Study Bible, Called Alongside, John 14:16-18

What a beautiful rhythm it is to get in sync ourselves first with the Holy Spirit and then to guide others toward that daily walk with Him! We’re an advocate, a coach and a cheerleader, not a dictator or passive observer. Get in the game! How are you walking alongside someone today?

As I move toward full-time ministry with FamilyLife Canada, my calling is to come alongside young families and churches with coaching that points families to a deeper walk with God with the help of the Holy Spirit. If you’d like someone a little further down the road than you to walk alongside you in your parenting or would like to help other parents with this ministry, please contact me today or donate!

There are so many ways we can help your marriage, your parenting and your family. Get in touch with us today!