While we got talking that day, he made a statement that did not quite sit well with me. He said; “Some of us are not called to the ministry like you…” I corrected him; “You may not be called into ministry, like me, but you do have a ministry. The earlier you realize this, the better.” That short conversation changed his mindset about ministry.
Friend, you have a ministry. Jesus saved you for a purpose; that purpose is for ministry. You have been saved to serve your generation with the life of God and the love of God (Acts 13:36, 2 Timothy 1:9). To ever say that you don’t have a ministry is to make a grave mistake. Whereas not all of us would be called to the pulpit or five-fold ministry offices, all of us have a ministry to carry out for God.
The work of the five-fold ministry offices (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers) is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). They are trainers and coaches, while believers are the ones to carry out ministry. Unfortunately, people see the five-fold ministry offices as those doing ministry while the believers are to spectate or “support” them. This is not true.
Ministry is an assignment that God gives you among men (Acts 13:1-2). Ministry is service; it is serving your generation with and in the purpose of God (Acts 13:36). Ministry is meeting people’s needs (Acts 9:36-42). This understanding would help you to see yourself as a minister. God has an assignment for you. You have something to serve your generation with, and there are needs around you that God can inspire you to meet.
There is ministry IN the Lord, and there is ministry FROM the Lord (Colossians 4:17). The ministry IN the Lord comes with your salvation; we can simply call this the great commission, the assignment to reconcile men to God. All believers have this ministry (2 Corinthians 5:18, 1 Peter 2:9). The ministry FROM the Lord is that special assignment that God gives you as you walk with Him; this assignment varies from person to person (Acts 9:6, 13:1-2).
God often gives His people platforms for ministry. Just like the Pastor of a local Church has the Church/pulpit as his primary platform, members of the Church also have their platforms for ministry; job, career, business, campus life, daily engagements etc. Most times, your platform would be secular, but your ministry is sacred before the Lord. The most important question you should ask after salvation is; “Lord, what will you have me do” (Acts 9:6)? God does not just give positions, He gives platforms for ministry (Esther 4:14). What are you doing with the platforms that God has given you?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria