hiking2christ

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
—2 Timothy 3:14-17

n our society’s thinking, the word ministry is often treated as a long-term trip to a remote village in Africa, or viewed as a person who graduated with a degree in theology. Or ministry is what the pastor of a church does. It’s easy to look at a senior pastor or an overseas missionary and feel some separation from the vocation they’ve chosen to dedicate their lives to. You may have even thought, “Those ministries take real dedication and I admire what they’re doing, but God just isn’t calling me to that field.”

We must ask ourselves this question: Is ministry something God only calls a few of his followers to? 
Answer: No.

In 2 Timothy, Paul encourages Timothy to utilize Scripture or what we now refer to as the Bible, to keep ministering to those around him. Let’s pretend Paul is writing to each of us. We are then charged with utilizing the Bible as we help others grow in their relationships with Christ.

Ministry goes hand-in-hand with being a believer. If you have a relationship with Christ, by the power of Holy Spirit, you will strive to meet people where they are and take them to the place God wants them to be. Ministry is for anyone and everyone who has a personal relationship with Christ. Ministry is needed everywhere people are, and how a Christ-follower lives that out will look different for everyone.

This means if you are a stay-at-home mom, your ministry is primarily coming alongside your children, teaching them the truth and grace they can experience in Christ. If you are a business executive, your power and influence can be used for the greater good of the kingdom and serve as an example in ethical business practices for other companies—the list goes on and on.

In what ways are you able to see your current season in life, job position, or the relationships God has sovereignly placed around you as opportunities to serve and minister to others?

– Ron Zappia

Picture Credit: Travis Roe