Jesus Calls Us To Ministry

As our CEO, Jesus calls us to ministry. We find this explicitly in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. As Jesus' followers, we are to teach others to follow all the commands that He has given us.

This commission is often used to form an incorrect definition of ministry. Many believers talk about discreet activities, sharing Christ, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, etc. as ministry. This concept of ministry being the actual activities has led to a debilitating complex among believers that they are not ministering unless they hold in a job provided by a non-profit or a religious organization.

How many times have you heard someone say, "one day I want to go into full time ministry"? This incorrect (and I believe improper) view of ministry adds to the notion that there is a great divide between the secular marketplace and the activities of the church. The work in the marketplace is not seen as something of religious or spiritual value. Under this view, it is only when "working" for a religious or non-profit organization that our efforts can be deemed "holy" or sanctified. As a good friend of mine says, "this smells of smoke!"

Let's try a different definition of ministry. How does this sound? Ministry is permitting others to experience God's presence through us - through you and me! This definition treats ministry as a continuous aspect of our Christian character. It should cause each of us to consider how each contact to with another person can be used to permit them to experience God's presence. It should cause us to look at each encounter as God-planned. It should cause us to be better listeners and more loving practitioners of God's grace. Now our actions can be evaluated and placed in the context of their effectiveness in presenting God's presence.

We see this definition in Luther's view on vocation. God is milking the cows through the vocation of the milkmaid, said Luther. According to Luther, vocation is a "mask of God." He is hidden in vocation. We see the milkmaid, or the farmer, or the doctor or pastor or artist. But, looming behind this human mask, God is genuinely present and active in what they do for us.

So should be our actions as we seek to allow others to experience the presence of God through us.

For a detailed analysis on the Doctrine of Vocations, consider reading Gene Veith's article on Our Call and God's Glory