If you had to define the term minister, how would you define it? The go-to answer really just fits our paradigm – a pastor, a priest, a preacher. Our paradigms – framework for our understanding, values and beliefs sort of frames our views. Traditionally, at least from my experience, it has been the belief that the ministers of the Church carried the responsibility to get people to heaven, and that “regular” Christians, just waited to get there! But that’s not the case…Church leaders have the responsibility to Equip the Saints (Christians; believers; the church) for the WORK of the ministry! Those who do the work of the ministry are the ministers. That means we are all ministers.
"Minister" is more of a verb than a noun. Not a position, but a practice! It simply means to serve to meet the needs of another person.
In that case, imagine yourself as a minister: IT’S FREE! IT COSTS NOTHING TO IMAGINE! Image you – in a new way – as one who carries the responsibility to love and care for others in a sacrificial way. To bear their burdens, to encouage them and to comfort them - and to share the Good News of Abundant and Eternal Life with those you encounter on a daily basis.
The Apostle Paul said, Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Ministers of Reconciliation: People who serve people in the area of relational reconciliation with God and other people!
This ministry of reconciliation is a huge responsibility. God is “making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). The ministry we’ve been given to turn hearts toward God is urgent and it is vital—it’s truly a matter of life and death, so we must share this message of reconciliation in love, and our lives need to reflect our message.
When we intentionally share and live out His message of reconciliation, lives are changed, and God gets the glory!
Prayer: Ask God to give you a heart to minister to others and a passion to share the Gospel. When God answers that prayer - you will begin to change your world!
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