🪑 Just Showing Up
The quiet ministry of presence in a digital age
Twenty years ago, I sat in a lawn chair outside the home of a man named Ernie. He had died suddenly the day before, and I—nineteen years old, a brand new pastor—was heartbroken. Ernie had become a mentor and friend. I didn’t know what to say or do. I didn’t even know what Psalm to read.
That’s when his granddaughter looked at me and said words I’ll never forget:
“You don’t have to say anything. You’re here. That’s what matters.”
It was one of my earliest and deepest lessons in ministry.
Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do is simply show up.
We live in a time when advice is everywhere. We have reels and TED Talks, and Google answers. We feel pressure to say something smart, to fix, to solve.
But when someone is grieving, or anxious, or exhausted—they don’t need clever words.
They need presence.
They need someone who will sit in silence, ask a question, say a prayer, or simply be there.
I’ve seen it in hospital waiting rooms, funeral homes, church basements, and living rooms.
And just over a week ago, I experienced it again—this time on the other side. When my father passed away suddenly, what I needed most in the moments after wasn’t a quote or explanation, or even a Bible verse. I needed someone to sit beside me. And they did.
That’s the heart of the incarnation—God with us.
And when we show up for others, we reflect that same love.
So don’t underestimate it:
When you bring a casserole.
When you drive two hours for a funeral.
When you knock on a door and sit quietly with a hurting friend.
When you come back week after week to a small group or Sunday service, even when it’s hard.
That matters.
It may not trend.
It may not go viral.
But it’s Christlike.
And it’s powerful.
Grace & Peace—
Adam
📣 Quick Reminder
This is the first bonus post for The Pastor’s Porch—and for the month of July, everyone (free + paid) will receive these midweek reflections as a sample.
That’s because I want to build value, not just create paywalls.
If this becomes part of your rhythm, I’d love your support in helping it grow!
👀 Paid subscribers will continue to get:
Weekly bonus content (like this),
Behind-the-scenes ministry updates,
And occasional early access to bigger projects I’m working on.
🗳 Help Me Name the Bonus Posts?
Since this is brand new, I’m torn between two names for the bonus posts:
🪑 Porch Plus – simple, consistent, easy to remember
🌄 The Back Porch – relaxed, conversational, feels like extra space to unwind
Cast your vote in the poll below! I’ll share the results in an upcoming post.
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In a career of ministry, presence is key! I agree 100%. Thanks for the reminder.