One by One
One by One
By Pastor Roger Loomis
When most people think about ministry, their minds drift toward big moments—crowds gathered, lights on, and someone “up front” doing what looks like the real work. But let’s be honest: that visible part of ministry accounts for maybe an hour or two each week.
Years ago in my church in Leeds, Alabama, a little boy named Dennis told me, “Pastor, when I grow up, I want to be a pastor.” I laughed and asked him why. With a straight face he said, “Because you only work one hour a week!”
That was his whole perspective. He saw one moment and assumed it defined the entire ministry. If only he knew the rest of the story!
What Ministry Really Is
Ministry—real ministry—is simply meeting needs. Not every need. Not all the needs. But the needs God places right in front of us. You and I can’t reach everyone. That’s why God positions us in communities, families, workplaces, and relationships. That’s where our lives touch other lives. That’s our sphere of influence. And the good news? You don’t have to be a preacher, a teacher, or someone who loves being on a platform to make a difference. The most life-changing moments in Scripture happened far from a stage.
Jesus, the Master of One-on-One Ministry
John’s Gospel highlights two profound encounters that reveal how Jesus ministered:
- Nicodemus, in John 3
- The Samaritan woman, in John 4
These moments weren’t sermons preached to thousands. They were quiet conversations—one person at a time.
Jesus Christ did some of His greatest, most transformative work one on one. Maybe today’s church—and today’s believers—need to rediscover that model.
Crowds Change… But Hearts Change One at a Time
Large crusades and evangelists like Billy Graham, Kathryn Kuhlman, Bill Bright, Oral Roberts, and others left a huge imprint on the world. Today, massive churches continue to influence thousands. But no matter the era, no matter the size of the church, God has always worked through individuals reaching individuals.
The enemy often tries to isolate people—physically, emotionally, spiritually—because isolation suffocates the soul. We were created for connection. And connections lead to conversions. Let’s look at those two one-on-one encounters:
Nicodemus — A Curious Religious Leader
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night—too afraid to be seen publicly with Him. Beneath the robe and reputation, he was hungry for truth. Jesus didn’t shame him. He didn’t lecture him. He spoke to the place in him that was searching.
“You must be born again.”
—John 3:7
Nicodemus left that conversation with a seed of truth planted deep in his heart—one that eventually blossomed into bold faith. One conversation changed his eternity.
The Samaritan Woman — Wounded, Rejected, and Seen
This woman came to the well carrying shame, rejection, and a long trail of personal failure. She belonged to a group despised by the Jews, and she had lived a painful, complicated life. Jesus didn’t avoid her—He pursued her. He didn’t condemn her—He valued her.
“The water I give will become a spring of life.”
—John 4:14
Her disgrace collided with His grace, and transformation erupted. Jesus elevated her worth, and it changed everything.
Two very different people. Two very different stories. But both were changed forever… one by one.
The Power of Connection
In my twenties, I served at a thriving megachurch in Birmingham, Alabama. One Sunday evening, surrounded by more than 2,000 people, I noticed a woman sitting alone—shoulders shaking, quietly weeping. A crowd was all around her, yet she was completely alone. Her husband had just passed away. She had no family—no children, no relatives—to walk with her through grief. She was drowning in sorrow in the middle of a room full of people.
That moment changed me. It reminded me that people can be alone in a crowd. And it reminded me that ministry is never about numbers—it’s about people. One month later, I left that megachurch to become a youth pastor in a smaller church where I could focus more personally on individuals. One-on-one ministry became my personal calling.
Who Is Your “One”?
Ask yourself:
- Who in my life is spiritually hungry?
- Who respects me enough to listen when I speak?
- Who is hurting, lonely, or searching for hope?
- Who do I know that needs the Lord’s salvation?
- Who needs someone who simply sees them?
We earn the right to speak into people’s lives by showing genuine care, consistency, and love. Crowds may impress… but one-on-one conversations transform.
A Worldwide Call to the Body of Christ
No matter where you live—no matter your country, culture, or context—this truth remains: God is still building His Church one person at a time. Jesus did some of His finest work quietly, without fanfare, in simple conversations with individuals whose hearts were ready. He still works that way today.
Pray for Open Doors
Pray that the Holy Spirit will:
- Give you eyes to see the people others overlook
- Open doors for honest, meaningful conversations
- Use your unique influence to draw someone to Christ
- Give you boldness, compassion, and discernment
Your “one” may be a coworker, a neighbor, a classmate, a family member, or even a stranger who crosses your path.
God still moves… one life at a time.
Who is He putting on your heart?
Listen to the Sermon
If you’d like to hear the audio version of the message I preached, you can find it here: