Ministry
I remember being called to ministry at a very young age. After I went through the other professions that children sometimes choose like Firefighter or Policeman, I felt pulled toward ministry. I have a different view of ministry than others might have. I believe that there is “formal ministry” and “informal ministry” and they are both “cut from similar cloth”. I define “Formal Ministry” to be like our Pastors, Associate Pastors, Ministers, Priests, etc… These people are paid so that they are free to minister with the bulk of their time. I see “informal ministry” as serving by volunteering. These people work other jobs, but are highly engaged in kingdom ministry wherever they are. I believe that all Christ-followers are called to ministry on behalf of the Kingdom.
When David was an old man, he appointed his son Solomon to succeed him as king. He also set up the formal ministry of the Levites. Check this out….
28 The work of the Levites was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, as they served at the house of the Lord. They also took care of the courtyards and side rooms, helped perform the ceremonies of purification, and served in many other ways in the house of God.29 They were in charge of the sacred bread that was set out on the table, the choice flour for the grain offerings, the wafers made without yeast, the cakes cooked in olive oil, and the other mixed breads. They were also responsible to check all the weights and measures.30 And each morning and evening they stood before the Lord to sing songs of thanks and praise to him. 31 They assisted with the burnt offerings that were presented to the Lord on Sabbath days, at new moon celebrations, and at all the appointed festivals. The required number of Levites served in the Lord’s presence at all times, following all the procedures they had been given.
32 And so, under the supervision of the priests, the Levites watched over the Tabernacle and the Temple and faithfully carried out their duties of service at the house of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 23:28-32 NLT)
Ministry in its simplest of terms is serving. It not “performance”, it’s serving. Our church’s mission is “Disciples making Disciples”. The church represents God’s Economic order. The greatest in God’s economy are servers. The least in God’s economy are servers. I think we get this mixed up sometimes. Christ followers should serve all the time. Jesus even talked about His service while here on the earth. Check this out….
25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28 NLT)
I served as a Youth Minister/Pastor for just over 20 years. I can remember my first day as a REALTOR in February 2003 and thinking how my faith didn’t change. I was now in a different season and situation of ministry. My faith didn’t end. My call to serve didn’t end. I have found that informal ministry is challenging, but oh so rewarding. I see Real Estate as a serving profession. I get to “hold the door” for people who are trying to sell or buy real estate. I get to encourage and teach people about the market and help them navigate through it.
The bottom line: Formal Ministry or Informal Ministry – all Christ followers are called to serve. From plunging toilets, to playing music or teaching on stage – Ministry is a wide scope of simply serving on behalf of Jesus, Who was the Ultimate Servant.
Pressing On!
Dwayne