iShineInMinistry

Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I remember when teen girls and other friends used to talk to me about their desire to work in full-time ministry or how they felt certain they were meant to be a pastor’s wife. Now, as a person that has worked in full-time ministry and worked for a senior pastor…I must say, these starry eyed girls were often glamorizing the perception of what they thought these positions meant. Visions of marrying at age 20 and being seen as someone to look up to spiritually as well as being able to work at a church instead of in the world do sound so much easier…on paper. However, there are three very important things to consider here. First, ministry is a calling, not an opportunity to be a different type of influencer, sans the Instagram handle. Second, working in ministry at a church or para-church organization does not exempt you from having to walk through tough situations, because…well, church is made up of humans and humans have sin natures. Finally, and most importantly, everything that you do is an act of worship and a ministry if you are looking with the right eyes!

Prior to working at a church, I worked in the nonprofit sector and many of the people I interacted with were terminally ill or had terminally ill children. Talk about difficult things. Also, talk about an opportunity to minister. That was an incredible place to be the hands and feet of Jesus, let me tell you. Spending time with families and serving them. Making sure to work extra hard to meet your fundraising goal as you did all to the glory of God and also made money appear to help fund the purchase of wheelchairs and research. Being a shoulder to cry on as coworkers walked through uncertain circumstances that made them quite discouraged and letting them know you are praying for them. Inviting friends to church to see that many years later they are actually walking with the Lord after that altar call 10+ years ago. Sitting with a family that has lost their son before he made it to his 24th birthday. If this was not a ministry I do not know what is!

While we may not always be in the four walls of a chapel or in the offices of a para-church organization, we are all called to shine in ministry and bring glory to His name. So, as we are the ones that work in these specific places, let's remind those that we minister to and counsel that they too are in full-time ministry whether at work, in their homes or while sitting in traffic on the way home from a long day. We are all called in some way shape or form, let’s all walk in that calling and encourage those around us in theirs as we all shine for Jesus!

PS - this is especially important now with social distancing. We get to be creative as we minister through phone calls, texts, Gchat, Facetime, social media, snail mail and other avenues we can find ways to encourage and be a light during this uncertain time where people really need the love of Jesus!