Ministry's Meaning

  It amazes me how many, who are a part of the New Testament church, have yet to realize what ministry means.  I have spent the better part of my life involved in ministry and this term has never been one to cause confusion for me.

  Last evening I stood behind our (Greater Vision's) product table at a venue in Missouri as a gentleman began to ask me about how I came to be a part of this trio.  He asked me what I had been doing with my life for the past years.  When I mentioned that I had pastored a church for the past seven years his comment to me was, "So now you've left the ministry to sing?"  SAY WHAT???!!! Left the ministry?  How has the definition of ministry escaped the body of Christ?  Somehow the vast majority of those who make up the church have bought into and believe the idea that only those who stand behind the pulpit and preach the Word of God can be considered "In the ministry".

  Here lies the answer to why the church is in decline.... and yes it is in decline.  That is not a derogatory statement meant to challenge Christ's words that Hell would never prevail against the church.  In order for Hell to prevail over the church would mean that Satan would seize Christ's position and therefore serve as the governing power.  Those reigns are in the hands of God.. that will never happen.  However the influence, power and effectiveness that we have in this world has begun to decline.  WHY? Because God's people have failed to realize that they have been commanded to serve in positions of ministry and are therefore considered ministers.  Ephesians 4:12 clearly states that God gave Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers... For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: How much more clear could it be that every man, woman, boy and girl who has accepted Christ have therefore been called to the ministry? 

  Pastors preach this message until they are blue in the face but it's as if blinders have been applied to most of those in the congregation.  Pastors have to beg people to keep the nursery.  Sunday and Wednesday evenings find the church pews vacant.  It's hard to get a commitment out of anyone regarding ministry work. Why? Obviously it's because the meaning of ministry has yet to hit home with most of the church.

  I am a minister.  I have been mandated to carry the gospel into a sin-stricken world with the faith that it will change those who hear it's message.  My vocational position does not determine this truth; my position in Christ does... as does yours.  Own the title of minister and wear it proudly!  Be ye therefore CHANGED by the renewing of your minds!!!  The ignorance of this simple truth and the shirking of it's responsibility has gone on long enough!