Made for Ministry

What is ministry? Where is it done? Whose job is it?

When I became a Bible major, it seemed as if it was almost a rite of passage to discuss one’s “call to ministry,” which always seemed to be followed by a story consisting of preaching, missions, youth ministry, etc. What is fascinating to me is that we have developed a tendency to keep ministry within the confines of the church. Step outside of a religious context, and ministry becomes taboo. If our vocations and aspirations are not immediately affiliated with or directly affecting the church, we become quick to remove ministry from our radar, but is this biblical? 

In order to better understand how ministry intersects all of our lives, we must consider how ministry is presented in the Bible. When we think of ministry, there are a few nuances that follow. It is healthy for us as Christians to recognize that ministry is described in many different ways. Ephesians 4:11-12 offers an interesting command for ministry and uncovers the mission we all share: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (ESV).

First, Paul distinctly recognizes specific positions of ministry within the church. He continues to command that those acquiring such positions are charged with the responsibility to equip God’s people for further ministry and kingdom building. We see how ministry of the church helps fuel and equip people for “the work of ministry” outside of the church. Thus, those who are called to ministry in the church are essential to the ministry of those who are called to bring glory to God in other contexts. 

Echoes of this reality are found in Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV). Paul’s language here is not exclusive, for we are to do everything for the glory of God. He does not say some things. He does not say church things. He commands everything to be infiltrated with the goal of God’s glorification. If this is the implication, then ministry far exceeds religious occupations. While ministry within the confines of a church is essential, it is also evident that part of the ministry of the church is to help God’s people do ministry in their own context. 

Consider those you learn from and look up to in the Bible. They all had various occupations and aspirations—some in the church, others beyond. To name a few: Matthew was a tax collector, Luke was a physician, John was a fisherman, Paul was a tentmaker, and the list goes on and on. God blesses each of us with certain skills that allow us to bring Him glory through putting those skills to use strategically for His mission. While some are gifted with skills specific to the church, others are gifted with skills that bless and intersect the lives of those around them in different ways. 

Martin Luther once referred to vocation as the masks that God wears to care for the world, which paints a beautiful picture of God working through various talents and trades. God created us with these various skills in order to bring glory to Him in unique ways. So everything we do, we must do with a ministry mindset. Everything we do gives evidence for God. Everything we do gives glory to God. 

The world is in desperate need of Christians who do their work with the same mind and purpose as Christ. I love how Bob Deffinbaugh puts it: “A New Testament ministry is any service rendered by a Christian that is motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit that benefits men (saved or unsaved) and brings glory to God.” Every context and vocation is a platform for people to do ministry. It is in everything that we give God the glory. What if we were to view every job, every action, every conversation, every relationship as a ministry? How might that transform the workplace? the school? the home? So do what you do well not just as work, but for God, using your gifts strategically for His mission and building God’s kingdom here. 

How can you steward your gifts and talents in a way that glorifies God? 

How can you strategically work for God’s mission?

How might you encourage yourself or others to view and do work as ministry?