Ministry, as it is commonly understood, means trying to meet the needs of others. These needs can be basic needs such as food, shelter and healthcare, or more abstract,  like spiritual, social and emotional needs. In the past eight years since I became involved in the GEMS (Godly Encouragement for Moms) Naperville mom's group, I've discovered how pampering others (providing extra niceties - whether it be gifts or decorations or both) really is a ministry. In the case of our group, it ministers to these moms' need to be valued as ladies, not just child-rearers (after all, how often does mom get something just for her?). In doing so it enhances our ministry of meeting spiritual and parenting training needs by creating a more conducive atmosphere.

But more than just a supplement to other ministries, pampering others can become an act of service all on its own. When you take time to recognize others with a gift of appreciation - whether it be a school teacher, hairdresser, church volunteer, or friend, you have an opportunity to meet their need to be valued and esteemed. Rather than enhancing your service to them (as in a formal ministry setting), you are enhancing your relationship with them.

Proverbs 19:6 says:  ""Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts". (NIV)

Here the BIble points out the impact of gift giving. Most commonly we think of this as referring to underhanded use of gifts, while neglecting the possibilities in ministry.  Yet there is a need for caution: pampering is not about buying people's loyalty or friendship with gifts. This is in opposition to the goal of serving them. In fact, avoiding this is one of the reasons why I encourage people to use the ideas in the Pampering Gifts book - the cost for each is relatively minimal, which reduces the possibility of creating a feeling of indebtedness.

So, if you're feeling stuck in a rut with your group and want to inject new life, or if you're ready to take your ministry to the next level, consider pampering your members. If there are people in your life whose service to you, your family, or your ministry that you would like to recognize, look for an opportunity to thank them with something extra, something unexpected, something...pampering!

To learn more about how you can pamper others without having to spend a lot to do it, check out Pampering Gifts.