More Than A Job

5 Ways To Not Let Ministry Employment Define You

1) "It is finished." (John 19:30)

These are Jesus' words from the cross after He atoned for the sins of the world. He alone completed the mission and accomplished the task. He alone is worthy of glory and honor. Be encouraged believer, for in any way you have fallen short in your calling or career, Jesus has not. His finished work on the cross covers you and speaks a better word than all your shortcomings. Your identity is based in Jesus' ministry to you and not your ministry to Him. Your identity is based in Jesus' work on your behalf and not your work on His behalf.

2) "You are a royal priesthood." (1 Peter 2:9)

Although the Bible is clear on the importance of local church government, submission to spiritual covering, and accountability for those in leadership, it also teaches an awareness that every believer is anointed and called to "ministry" in a general sense. Even when you don't hold an office at a local congregation, you still hold a position in the heavenly realm. This should encourage you and provoke you to obedience, holiness, and evangelism.

3) "Minister to one another." (1 Peter 4:10)

Peter exhorted the saints of the early church to minister to one another revealing that ministry is not only done by those vocationally employed by the church. Although church employment is effective and also supported Biblically, it is not the only or primary means for ministry to happen. You should use your giftings to serve the body of Christ regardless of job title or staff position.

4) "Not many of you should be teachers." (James 3:1)

God takes callings to church leadership and vocational ministry very seriously, particularly for those that operate in teaching capacities. We shouldn't be so eager to step into (or back into) these roles lightly. We will be held accountable by God for our words and actions. Jesus is the ultimate good shepherd of His sheep, but partnering with Him to shepherd and lead should come with much training, patience, and oversight.

5) "Humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 18:12)

It is important to remember that God is much more concerned with the posture of your heart than the position on your resume. Ultimately God's goal is to conform you to the image of Christ. This attitude of humble servant must come to define you no matter what you do or where you work. Then, in due time, God will exalt you if necessary to advance His purposes and kingdom.

In conclusion, I encourage all those called to vocational ministry to take inventory of themselves. If you are in full-time ministry, maybe God is reminding you to place your hope in Christ alone and not in your prestige or power. If you are in part-time, bi-vocationaly ministry, maybe this encourages you to be content like Paul to make tents for a season. If you are patiently waiting for ministry opportunities, maybe this will exhort you to persevere in your service and continue volunteering at your local church for the glory of God.

Wherever you are in the spectrum of calling and career, chose to base your identity in Christ alone. Let your first ministry be to Him, because ministry is so much more than a job.