Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:34-40
Ministry is an extension of our worship. In worship we experience a λειτουργία (liturgy) or service where God distributes His grace to His people and equips them to share it with others. An apt description of this is seen in the feeding of the 5000. The crowds gathered around as Jesus distributed just a few loaves and fish to the disciples, who then carried an abundant portion to those seated nearby. God continues to make His gifts available in a similar form, utilizing His church as the distribution network. The church seeks to ascertain the need and pursues the means to meet it through God's providential and generous care.