October 2020 Ministry Update with Chaplain Tim Lindsey

Chaplain Tim Lindsey at the Indianapolis Prayer Service

Recently, as I was studying Psalm 37, I came across two verses I love very much. Verses 23 and 24 have always been a source of strength in life and ministry.

When serving public servants, it is a great comfort that God directs our way. One might call these “Divine appointments.” Walking the halls of the City - County Building (CCB), I stand amazed at how God orchestrates unique opportunities for prayer and the Gospel. Praying over the Police Chief; sharing God’s blessings with Councillors and staff; receiving prayer requests from Building Authority; stopping countless individuals in the hall to simply remind them that there is a God in heaven who loves them, and there is someone who is praying for them today. Exiting the CCB, there are countless blessing of God’s directed way.

It is truly a delightful way! Ministry is exciting because it is focused on people. Those in public service rarely receive a compliment that does not have a motive or obligation attached. They can feel used, manipulated, betrayed, worthless, and more. You could try this in your own sphere of influence: just tell someone you are praying for them and you are grateful for the work of their hands — smiles, and maybe nervous shock, abound. It is a delight serving the Lord.

God develops our way, too. The ministry at the CCB is only three years old. From the early days, I stand back and marvel how God has worked; He developed me, and He developed His ministry. Twenty - five Councillors serve on the Council, and they are supported by twelve staff members. However, due to retirements, resignations, and elections, forty - two have served as Councillors in that time! Many others have the left the CCB from the Mayor’s office, Clerk’s office, and more; every time they leave, the ministry of PSP expands. The inception of the Women’s Bible Study in the Indianapolis Fire Department Headquarters directly came from this very process. How marvelous to watch God develop our way!

Finally, God’s way is dependable. He has provided each step with stability and faith. The past several months have been challenging — how do you minister to people you cannot see!? Yet, we praise God for technology that allows us to communicate the message of prayer and pastoral care. He remains faithful, and we stand in awe of how He works. Time will not permit stories of phone calls, walks on Mass Ave, prayers on several floors of the CCB, texts, emails, conference calls, coffee chats, and lunches. Yet, through them all, God continues to order our steps. When we are obedient, we find them directed, delightful, developing, and dependable!

Pastor Tim Lindsey Chaplain, Indianapolis City-County Building

A special moment at the Indianapolis Prayer Service when Chaplain Lindsey introduced each of 25 members of the City-County Council in order, by name, and from memory!

Hundreds of people attended the Indianapolis Prayer Service organized by Chaplain Tim Lindsey. The event was also live-streamed by Indianapolis TV stations and viewed by tens of thousands of Hoosiers!

Participants at the Indianapolis Prayer Service included the Mayor (Not pictured), Deputy Mayor, City-County Councilors, Pastors, Chaplains, State Legislators, and more.