Called to ministry

In the previous couple of articles, we explored the benefits of a church community for our growth in spiritual maturity. But being part of a church community is not just about what we receive. It is also about what we can contribute. We are called to grow. But we are also called to serve. And service starts with our church community. We will explore questions such as - what are the ways that I can serve my church community? And what are spiritual gifts and how can I use them to serve others?

What is ministry?

What does the Bible say about ministry?

If we are going to dig down into the topic of ministry, it will be helpful to start with a very basic question – what is ministry? To answer that question, let’s look at how the word ministry is used in the Bible.

In the New Testament, the word is often translated from words that are related to the Greek part-word diakon. In 1 Corinthians 16:15, Paul uses the word to refer to the “service of the Lord’s people”.  And in Acts 6:1-4, it talks about freeing up the disciples so that they could give attention to “prayer and the ministry of the word.” When we see verses such as these, we can be tempted to think that ministry is all about the spiritual – about serving people’s spiritual needs.

But ministry doesn’t seem to be just about the spiritual. Exactly the same Greek word is used to refer to serving food in Acts 6:1-4 and to making a financial contribution in Acts 11:29-30 and Martha’s preparation of food in Luke 10:40. Even within the one passage at the beginning of the Acts chapter 6, two words are translated as ministry. But one refers to a spiritual ministry – the ministry of the word. And one refers to a ministry that we wouldn’t usually think of as being spiritual – serving food.

It also helps us to know that words related to the Greek part word diakon are not just translated as ministry. They are also translated as service or serving. In fact, depending on the translation, the same Greek word is sometimes translated as ministry and sometimes translated as service. So, although we often think of ministry as something spiritual, it often just refers to different types of service.

So, coming back to our question - is ministry just about the spiritual? The answer appears to be no. The way the Bible talks about ministry is not limited to the spiritual. There are some types of ministry or service that are certainly spiritual such as preaching and teaching and prayer. But it also talks about preparing and serve food and giving money as ministry. The Bible uses the word ministry in the context of the whole person. It includes serving someone’s physical, spiritual and even financial needs.

Why serve my church?

We are told to do ministry

So that is some of the what of ministry. What about the why? There are a number of reasons to serve. The first is simply that we are told to serve. It is part of our calling as followers of Jesus ‭‭(Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭14‬). Paul encouraged the church, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” ‭‭(Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭10) We are urged to “use whatever gift [we] have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10) And in the book of Galatians, we read: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13)

We have examples of ministry

Another reason for serving is that The Bible is full of examples of people who saw ministry as important. In fact, what stands out in the Bible is it’s focus on serving. The Bible was written at a time where freely serving was countercultural. It was a culture that looked down on the weak and humble and looked up to the powerful. But Jesus came as a servant king (Mark 10:45). Even his disciples found it hard to take in. At one point, the mother of two of Jesus’ disciples came to Jesus with her sons and asked Jesus to give them the two chief places in the kingdom when Jesus became king (Matthew 20:20-21). The other disciples were no better. They were angry that the other two disciples were trying to cut them out of the chief places.

Jesus’ reply went against all their thinking (Matthew 20:25-28). As he said, that is the way that the Roman rulers work. They use their power to make everyone do what they want and to serve them. But he told his disciples that they were to be different – he said, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Matthew 20:26-27). And the example? Jesus himself. As he goes on to say, “just as the Son of Man [that is Jesus] did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

And Jesus didn’t just say the words, he lived them out. One of the most famous scenes of Jesus’ life and ministry is described in the Bible where Jesus is sitting at his final meal with his disciples (John 13:1-16). He was the teacher, the one that they looked up to and called Lord. What did Jesus do? Did he bask in the glow of the honour of being a respected teacher and leader. No. He took a bowl, filled it with water and began to wash the disciples’ feet. One of the disciples, Peter, was so horrified at this that he refused to let Jesus wash his feet. It just wasn’t done.

So, one of the most amazing things in the Bible is that it describes Jesus as God come down to earth (John 1:14). How did he act? He didn’t demand recognition and use his position or power to get what he wanted. Despite his power, Jesus gave all that up to serve his followers. And ultimately, he did more than wash people’s feet. He gave up his life to serve us  (1John 3:16). This is the model for us to follow (1 John 3:16).

Our church needs us

Another reason for being involved in ministry is that we are needed. We may not feel ready or able to serve. But the plain fact it is that our brothers and sisters in Christ need us. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 paints a picture of how dependent we are on each other. It describes the church as a body – the body of Christ. And that as Christians we have become part of that body. We belong to each other (1 Corinthians 12:15). And each of us form a different part of the body – some an eye, some a foot, some an ear, some a hand. We know that a body functions well when all the parts of the body are there and doing their job. In the same way, we function well as a church when all the members are there and doing their bit.

We may feel that we do not have much to offer. But as it says in this passage, “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:22). It doesn’t matter how we feel about our gifts and abilities. The Bible tells us that we are an indispensable part of the body of the church. We all have something to offer one another.

Ministry can be rewarding

The last reason for being involved in ministry is that it can be rewarding. That may sound like a selfish reason to serve. But it is simply the way that we have been wired. Using our gifts, abilities and resources to serve others can be hugely satisfying and fulfilling. It may not be the reason that we serve, but it is certainly one of the good things that we get out of it.

How do I work out how to serve?

So far, we have looked at what and the why of ministry. The practical question though is how. And the how is often wrapped in the where. Once I have decided that I want to be involved in ministry, how do I know where that might be?

In the first article, we talked about our general calling – God’s calling for all of us. And that is what we have been working through in the last four articles – our calling to a relationship with God and our calling to transformation. No matter who we are, they are part of our calling as we follow Jesus.

But in looking at our calling to ministry, it becomes more personal. Ministry is part of our general calling. But the specifics of what that will look like are different for each of us. That is what is sometimes referred to as our specific calling – God’s calling for me in particular.

The big question then becomes - how do we figure out our specific calling to ministry? It is not an easy issue. As we looked at in the first article, there are several times where God calls people directly through voices or visions. But these seem to be uncommon and certainly not the normal way that God directs us. So, we shouldn’t get too hung up on the idea of hearing directly from God to work out our specific calling. But there are a few principles we can learn from the Bible that help us to work out what it may be.

Where there is need

The first is where there is need. That may not sound very spiritual but sometimes calling simply comes down to need. In the passage in Acts 6:1-4 that we looked at earlier, the disciples gathered everyone together to choose people who could serve at tables. Why? Because some of the widows were being neglected and there was a need to address this. Sometimes, there is a need, and someone is required to meet that need. That person may be us.

There are many needs in churches. And that means many opportunities for ministry. Many of these don’t require particular skills. It can be welcoming people at the door or stacking chairs. They just require some who is available and prepared to help out. Looking to see where there are needs is often an easy first step in looking where to serve.

Where I have skills

Another factor that helps us work out where we can serve is the skills that we have. In Exodus 35:30-35, it talks about the Lord choosing Bezalel son of Uri, to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. Why was he chosen? Because he had the particular skills that were needed for the job. So, in understanding where we may be called to minister, an important consideration is the skills that we bring.

Where I can best use my gifts

Another factor is spiritual gifts. These are particular strengths or abilities that God has given us through the Holy Spirit. They have a particular purpose - to minister to and build up others (Ephesians 4:7-13; 1 Corinthians 12:7). Each of us has an important part to play in building up and serving our brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, understanding and using our spiritual gifts becomes an important point when seeking to know how and where God may be calling us to minister. Because it is an important factor, we’ll come back to the issues of spiritual gifts and how to work out what they are towards the end of this article.

Through prayer and discernment

Another important factor in working out where to minister is the process of discernment. Discernment is getting a clear sense of how God may be leading us. How can we be discerning? Well, there are several ways. One is the test of time. There may be times when a sense of calling to particular task requires a quick decision. But ideally there is time to sit with our sense of calling. To reflect. To pray. And to do all we can to confirm it.

Confirmation can come in several ways. Sometimes it come from our own spirit that works with God’s Spirit. Do we have a sense of peace and dependence and assurance? If we are anxious and uncertain that God is leading us, it may be time to wait. Sometimes circumstances will help to confirm that the calling is from God. Sometimes our calling has a sense of fit. Not just with circumstances and timing, but with all those things we have just looked at - skills and opportunities and needs and gifts. It doesn’t mean that God can’t call us to something way outside our skills, gifts and comfort zone, but these can often be indicators of calling.

And lastly, wise counsel can be invaluable in discerning our specific calling to ministry. In our culture, calling can often be very individual. But the Bible paints a picture of a church community identifying gifts and supporting and sending people in their calling to ministry and mission (Acts 11:19-26; Acts 13;1-3). Working out and living out their calling was not individual. It was communal.

How do I serve my church

So, now that we have explored what ministry is all about and how we can start to work out where God may be calling us to minister, let’s look at how we can put serving our church into practice.

By simply serving

The first is simply to serve with whatever time and capacity and skills we have. There are many needs in church communities. There is a need for ushers and welcomers and car park attendants and musicians and sound desk technicians and coffee makers and cleaners and cooks. And not all of them happen on a Sunday. We can also meet up for coffee and invite people into our home. Many of these require little skill, only time and a willingness to serve. We don’t have to look far for opportunities to minister in our church. You may like to think about how you can serve the needs in your church community.

By giving financially

Another way to minister is by contributing financially. We are urged to be generous. Not just with our time but also with the money that God has given us (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Who should we give to? The first priority is the people who lead us at church. They depend on our support for their livelihood. And they are the ones who feed us spiritually and the Bible says that those who feed us spiritually deserve our financial support (1 Timothy 5:17-18). And as well as the pastors and teachers in our own church, we can also support those who work full time in mission work or other types of ministry that rely on others for financial support ‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭8‬-‭9‬)‭.

The Bible also encourages us to support those in need. We are urged to care for the poor generally and particularly those in the church (James 2:15-17). The Bible says that seeing the needs of brothers and sisters and taking practical steps to meet those needs is a mark of good discipleship (1 John 3:17). But caring for those in need extends outside our own church. Caring for the poor and needy in our society is something that we can also consider (Proverbs 22:9).

How much should we give? There is no definite rule. In the Old Testament, the Jews were encouraged to give ten percent of their income – what is called a tithe. Some people suggest that ten percent is a good guide for what we should also give. However, we are under grace and there is nothing to say that as Christians we have to give this amount. Some people may be able to give more than ten percent. It is a decision that we make freely and it is between us and God. Generosity rather than a fixed amount or percentage should be our standard.

By using our spiritual gifts

Another step in getting involved in ministry is to explore how to serve with our spiritual gifts. These have been given to us to serve and build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4). That gift may be a gift of service or encouragement or financial giving and used in one of the areas of service we have just looked at. But it may also mean discovering and using other gifts such as teaching or preaching or pastoring.

How do we know if those are gifts that we have? First, we need to be aware of the spiritual gifts. If you are not familiar with spiritual gifts, take some time to read passages in the New Testament that talk about them (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11,28). Although not perfect, there are questionnaires that help us to work out our spiritual gifts. Awareness of our gifts can also come from experience. It may mean exploring and even taking a risky step of faith to try different roles and discern whether we have gifts in that area. When we use our gifts, we can feel a sense of God working through us which is rewarding and satisfying. Another way of working out our gifts is through honest feedback from brothers and sisters in our church. They can help us discern accurately the gifts that we have been given. This is very important for those considering full-time church ministry where those gifts are central to the role. But it is also important for those in unpaid part-time church ministry roles especially in teaching, preaching and pastoring.

So, wherever you are in your understanding and use of gifts, you may find it helpful to seek out someone with more experience and spend some time considering what your gifts are and how you can use them in ministry.

A word of caution

Before we finish talking about ministry, there is another important point to make. Ministry is affected by capacity. And not all of us have the same capacity. That may have to do with us – for example our personality, physical abilities, mental health or energy levels. Or it may have to do with our circumstances – for example, our roles and responsibilities, financial situation, and living situation.

For some people the thought of doing more right now can be overwhelming. What do we do if we are feeling like that?

The first is to recognise that getting involved in ministry does not necessarily mean doing big things or even doing more. If you are attending church, chances are you are already doing some sort of ministry. If you talk to people, listen to them and take an interest in what they are doing, that is ministry. If you pray for them, that is another type of ministry. Even your presence at church can be a ministry in itself. You may be surprised that others at church are encouraged simply by the fact that you made the effort to come along.  So, if doing more feels beyond your capacity at the moment, don’t feel pressured, stressed or inadequate. Recognise and enjoy the ministry that you already have. 

The second is that if you are feeling you don’t have the capacity, think about why that is the case. It may be completely understandable. We all go through seasons where the focus of ministry changes. It may be a time when work, family or friends have particular needs and that leaves little space or energy. Sometimes it may be a matter of stretching ourselves and pushing through. But sometimes it may mean that some parts of our ministry have to take a backseat. Pushing through is not always the answer. We can do amazing things with God’s strength and by grace. But burnout is real. And it happens to Christians. Sometimes it is important to say no. To be replenished, to be nourished, to know God’s love and grace so that when the season changes, we can come back to ministry with fresh energy.

The third is that church ministry can take many forms. We may not have the capacity or gifts to lead a small group or volunteer for a service role. But we can still be involved in financial giving or prayer and or listening to how someone’s week has gone after the service. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of comparing our own capacity and gifts with others. But God has given us our unique set of gifts and ministry skills and we each have our unique calling. Value and enjoy the ministry that God has given you.

Summing up

So, bringing together what we have explored in this article, ministry inside our church is part of our calling to follow Jesus. However we feel, we are an important and needed part of the church community. Being involved in ministry is not just a command and a duty. It can be rewarding and satisfying.

In the next article, we will continue to explore the spoke of ministry and look at the second practice related to this spoke – ministry outside the church. We will explore several questions. Is ministry just about what we do at church? How is ministry related to my work – whether paid or unpaid? And how does my view of ministry change my perspective on the way that I spend my day and my life? They are some of the questions we will explore in the next article.