A Call to the Ministry

“Say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.’” Colossians 4:17

When Christians use the expression, “called to the ministry,” it is invariably associated with a pastoral, church, or parachurch position. Indeed, God - not man - does call certain people to preach, teach, and advance the gospel through an ecclesiastical office. That call is personal, preserving, and satisfied only through surrender to the will of God.

However, it is a fallacy to think that some men and women are called while others remain sidelined. That is not the teaching of the Bible. There is no such thing as a part-time Christian ministry. Once you receive Christ as your Savior, you are called to a life of commitment and consecration to Christ. The Greek word for ministry is in the same linguistic family as servant. A minister who preaches the gospel is a servant of Christ. A housewife or accountant is a servant of Christ also.

Whoever you are, whatever you do, you have a ministry from God. You are a saint called into fellowship with Christ to do good works for God (Rom. 1:6-7; 1 Cor. 1:9). You are called to the ministry of knowing and serving Christ, bringing His fragrance and presence into your world and sharing it with others. It is a high and worthy calling.

“...do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5