WHAT IS YOUR MINISTRY?

In the secular world, almost from day one when we start our employment there is the  emphasis on being successful and “climbing the ladder” and take more responsibility as you get more training and experience.

This is also so often the case in the Christian world too, that when a person graduates from Bible College or Seminary they accept an Assistant Minister’s position, then after some time usually a few years they expect to become either an Associate or Senior Minister, I want to ask the question today, is this the way it is meant to be in the Kingdom of God?

Sadly, of course there is the mentality that if one has a degree from a College or Seminary, therefore they are qualified to be a “Pastor” yet Eph. 4:11 NLT tells us that this a  Ministry Giftis given to an individual by Jesus Himself.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

I actually know some people who have never been inside a Bible College but were very successful Pastors with a very evident Ministry Gift, and I sure know quite a number of people who have graduated from Bible College and have the title of “Pastor” but sure do not have a “Shepherd’s heart”. I guess we actually use the title Pastor too cheaply, as I can also think  of some people I know who may be called “Pastors” are actually awesome Bible “Teachers” with an evident Eph. 4:11 Ministry Gift within them, but Pastoring is simply not their primary ministry.

I also know some men who very clearly have the Ministry Gift of a Pastor, and sure love and care for God’s people, but they are not Preachers, but as far as I am concerned they are very much a Pastor because of their evident love for the God’s sheep.

DO WE NEED TO GET BACK TO BUILDING GOD’S HOUSE ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN?

I will start by saying that every Believer is called to ministry, that is why I believe every New Christian needs a Discipler to help them “Grow in Grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ”, and then transition into to a Mentoring experience to help them discover and develop their ministry, and for the Mentor to discern if there is evidence of an Eph. 4:11 gifting in the person.

I have been drawn to Psalm 75:6 KJV these last few days, and have been musing much on this verse. For PROMOTION cometh neither from the east,
nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge. He putteth down one and setteth up another.

I sure did not understand this principle as a young Minister, although I can sincerely say I sought to responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit when I would become aware of God “stirring my nest”.

Can I encourage you to simply serve the Lord with ALL YOUR HEART, don’t see it as “your ministry” and hold on to it so tightly and also don’t think about promotion, let it come to you as our text indicates in God’s way and time, and then seek guidance and counsel from your Mentors to ascertain THE TIME IS RIGHT. 

One principle we must NEVER FORGET IS THIS:  before you ever walk away from a ministry role to another. HAVE YOU RAISED UP A SUCCESSOR??????

AN ESSENTIAL PART OF EVERY MINISTRY IS REPRODUCING AFTER YOUR OWN KIND.

So, here is some thoughts for you to prayerfully consider, remember.

THE BEST PLACE TO BE IS ALWAYS IN THE CENTRE OF GOD’S WILL.