I believe that all Christians are called to ministry. The difference is in the definition. Many years ago I wrote an entry for my blog on Ministry because it was (and still is) my contention that most of us don’t have a good definition of ‘ministry’. Most definitions default to the professional. But… did you realize you are called to full time ministry?! You are. Right where you are. There is a saying that you may be the only Bible that someone may read. That’s both a tremendous responsibility as well as an incredible opportunity. It should not make you fearful that you might say or do the wrong thing – it should send you to the One who can empower you to be effective.
Never think that what you say or what you do is unimportant. And never believe it is unseen. It has enormous potential. You really need to appreciate that you have a great deal of ‘power’ through your words, through your actions…. in the world in which you live. The reason is to touch your world with the grace and mercy of the Lord. Your ministerial role is to share the Jesus you know. Introduce others to who He is and how this has made a difference in your life. You may not witness the other person’s conversion, but you did plant a seed with your testimony.
Not all ministry is ‘professional’ – as a pastor of a church. But then… scripture doesn’t define pastoral ministry as the only ministry. Those who have that particular call on their lives should be held up in prayer – that’s our responsibility. But it is also important for you to discover your ‘call’. What do you think the Lord is calling you to do right where you are in the world you inhabit? If you don’t know, then ask Him. Also look to your heart – what do you want to do for Him? Answers are there.
Ephesians, 1 Corinthians, and Romans talk about the gifts that have been given to the church, “…for the edification of the church”. We sometimes get things the wrong way round. Scripture teaches us that we all have a gift for the benefit of all. What we need to do is to discover who we are in the body of Christ and then share it. As we each take our place and share our gifting, the church grows stronger and becomes equipped to carry out the mission, the vision for that church. You can also rest assured that whatever you are called to God has already prepared you to walk in this. (Ephesians 2:10) But it always takes US. God has chosen to work through us. We must become that strong army to conquer the darkness. Ministry is never an ‘if’. It is always a given.
