 |
 |
      |
ADULT MINISTRY
How Long Have You Been In Ministry?
by Jim Buchan
Although not everyone is called to the main pastoral leadership of the church, the Bible makes it clear that there is a wide variety of other leadership positions in which a believer can serve (see Eph 4:11; 1 Cor 12:27-31; Rom 12:6-8; 1 Pet 4:9-11).
Ignorant of the incredible diversity of ministries portrayed in the Scriptures, many zealous young believers from traditional church backgrounds have become confused about the whole concept of being called to ministry. They may sense a strong call to be in Christian leadership, yet they feel they don’t really fit any of the traditional categories—pastor, missionary, or evangelist. Actually, the role of “pastor” receives surprisingly little attention in the New Testament compared with other ministry positions. Nevertheless, many believers have wrongly concluded that they were not “called to the ministry” simply because they knew they weren’t called to be pastors.
Peter reminds us, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received” (1 Pet 4:10). Two important points are included in this brief statement: First, each believer has received a gift. Second, each believer should actively minister his or her gift to others. In that sense, every believer is called to minister. The question is not if we are called, but to what ministry are we called.
An elderly lady once asked a young preacher, “How long have you been in the ministry, Sonny?” With a puzzled look on his face, the young preacher pondered the question for a second or two and then, with a broad smile, responded, “Ever since I was saved, I guess!”
The young man of God realized that, for those who have given their lives to Jesus, ministering is not an optional activity. We may not be called to be a pastor or an evangelist, but we should all minister to others with the gifts God has given us.
From Walking The Leadership Highway Without Becoming Roadkill, by Jim Buchan
|
|
|
|
