What Does Ministry Mean?

So what does it really mean to do or have a ministry? The main definition of Ministry is to serve. We were all given a certain task in ministry so that we can serve the body of Christ, to edify and strengthen it, to provide knowledge so that the body can mature and become strong. Everyone has a unique function and we must understand that even the smallest job is beneficial to the Kingdom of God. Do you know what God has called you to do? What is it that you are passionate about? Usually He places a strong desire in our hearts for a reason and if we can recognize what it is that drives us, that is usually where God has placed us in ministry.

MINISTRY ISN'T JUST PREACHING

Ephesians 4:11- And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of MINISTRY, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Sometimes MINISTRY isn't purely about teaching or talking to people about God. Sometimes it is simply a MINISTRY of giving. I think we tend to overlook how powerful giving can be and how much it can testify to abundance of God's grace and love. Just think, whenever we give unconditionally with love in our hearts, we give people a glimpse of the love that God has for them. We show they aren't forgotten about and that they are important. Giving can be anything like donating money, giving of your time, giving food or clothes, giving of your talents or giving your services. God has given some of you abundantly in these areas so that you may bless others abundantly with your gifts. So let’s examine our lives today and see is there anything you have a lot of? Is there anything you can give?

THE PURPOSE OF OUR EXISTIENCE IS MINISTRY

2 Corinthians 9:10- He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, whichthrough us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the MINISTRY of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Romans 10:13-15- For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

It is an absolute blessing to do MINISTRY and I believe that it is one of the main purposes for our creation. God wants the whole world to receive the truth and knowledge of his power and grace. It is our job to speak to everyone we can about these things, for the time is coming that Christ will appear and gather us all to Him. The doors will soon be closing and time is short. We must be good servants and be found doing His work, investing His Word, gathering His harvest.

REJECTION DOES NOT MEAN YOU DID IT WRONG

2 Corinthians 4:1-18-Therefore, since we have this MINISTRY, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we find that when we try to MINISTER, the truth is rejected. I know for me it can make me wonder if I am doing or saying the right thing, but just remember that some people's hearts are darkened, there is a veil covering their eyes... They simply cannot see the truth and there is nothing you could do differently to change that. It is purely God's will that people receive His truth and understanding and without the Holy spirit it all seems like foolishness to them. That is why it is good to recognize when this is happening and step back and pray for that person, for your prayers are far more powerful than any words you could say outside of the guidance of the Spirit.

OUR MINISTRY MUST BE BLAMELESS

2 Corinthians 6:3-10- We give no offense in anything, that our MINISTRY may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend ourselves as MINISTERS of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

We must be really careful that in everything we do, we are acting in a Christ like manner. Our lives are a huge part of MINISTRY and that is the first thing people look at. That is why testimonies are so powerful, because it is evidence of God's transforming power and grace. So in everything we do, let us make sure we are walking the straight path and mimicking the blameless example that Christ set.

#ministry #serve #servant #humble #minister