Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – We often use the word “ministry” to describe the path of serving God taken by pastors, preachers and church leaders. “Ministry” preaches God’s Word. “Ministry” leads the church. “Ministry” teaches the Bible. But the apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, thought a little differently:
When people hear the word ministry, many immediately think of pastors, preachers or what happens in church on Sunday morning. But Scripture shows that ministry is a calling for every believer, every day of the week. Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
Ministry Belongs to Every Believer
This article helps us see our work, families and daily relationships as a ministry field God has given us.
“And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11–12)
Paul says here that it is the saints who are equipped for ministry, not only those we call “pastors” today (“saints” is a New Testament term for the whole community of God’s people). So what does it mean to do ministry? The word Paul uses in this context simply means “service.” Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are all tasked with equipping God’s people to serve. The purpose of this service is to build up a strong body in Christ.
Interestingly, while pastors equip the saints to serve, they themselves also serve the saints. They model the very lifestyle they are teaching their followers. So, come to think of it, pastors and teachers really are “doing ministry.”
But we, the ones called saints, need to know that we too are called to ministry. Not necessarily to become a pastor or evangelist, but to be people who serve others both in our church community and in the wider communities and cities where we live. That is true leadership.
I can’t help but mention the students at Hillsong College. They are a group of people who serve wholeheartedly to build up the body of Christ, but who also never forget to serve outside our church. They don’t just work hard and sacrifice to make our weekend and weekly services and activities run well; they also work hard to serve the people they meet outside the church.
Our principal, Catrina Henderson, recently shared that many business owners have approached her wanting to hire these students. Why? Because they are hard workers. They show leadership, initiative and a desire to do great things. They are doing ministry well in their everyday jobs. No title, no stage: they serve the people around them every day.
If you don’t know what ministry you are called to, or you are wondering how a Christian like you fits into the place called “church,” let me encourage you to serve. At home. At work. At church. Just like our students, you will soon find more purpose and calling than you imagined.
Soli Deo Gloria
Isaac Soon
Living Out Ministry From Monday to Saturday
Ministry can be the way you work honestly at the office, patiently care for your children, check on a sick neighbor or pray for a struggling coworker. Colossians 3:17 reminds us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Ask yourself: who has God placed beside me this week for me to serve? That is your ministry.
You may also like: Church Small Groups and Why You Need the Church and the Church Needs You.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling each of us into ministry. Help us see our families, work and communities as places where You want us to serve, and live each day to glorify Your name. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article: Communications Ministry – Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church
Adapted from: Hillsong.com
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