Ministry is actually expressed by many people in different ways, likewise the word ‘fulfillment’; but for us to be on the same page and therefore communicate effectively, we need a common understanding of these terms.
While a good number of people believe that ministry is about preaching and teaching of the Word of God as a pastor, teacher, apostle, prophet or evangelist, another group believe that ministry is more than that; thus, covering activities of people in the workplaces, communities and nations. And the latter group believe that anyone that is pursuing or carrying God’s work (irrespective of the setting); whether in the church, bank, community, is actually in ministry.
The truth is, none of these two groups is wrong about ministry; however, no group is completely accurate about ministry. And if I may say, that a man is preaching in the church or churches does not really imply that he is in the ministry.
Now, if ministry is literally interpreted to imply service; then, to really tell that a man is in ministry, we must be clear about whom or what the man is serving; for if the man is serving his ego up an organizational ladder or his ambition or his belly or his greed of his lust; he is very far from ministry.
So, we have brought ministry to a good level for our understanding now – as we have agreed that ministry is service; hence, everyone in ministry, irrespective of the setting, is serving!
If you now ask me, “Brother, what exactly is a man expected to serve, to be a minister – one in ministry?” Then I will redirect you back to the Scriptures. And so, we will quickly see a man who was in ministry – yet, not a preacher or teacher of God’s Word in the church setting:
“For David, after he had served God’s will, purpose and counsel in his own generation, fell asleep (in death) and was buried among his forefathers,…”
(Acts 13:36 --- AMP).
If I am right, you are well familiar with the historical account of King David – the acclaimed greatest King in the history of Israel as a nation. Although, you might find it hard to believe; but that portion of the Scriptures above, reveals to us in very plain language, his secret of excellence in ministry.
Looking carefully at that Scripture, certain issues are underscored:
- He had served;
- God’s will, purpose and counsel;
- His own generation.
And that tells us that true ministry must always be in relation to those factors above; that is, no man can claim to be in ministry, let alone excelling in it, when any of these factors are missing:
- Service;
- God’s will, purpose and counsel;
- Generational Impact.
Thus, your ministry is and must be in relation to your service of God’s will purpose and counsel in your own generation. So, in case you are still thinking that ministry is only about preaching and teaching God’s Word; then, I am glad to ANNOUNCE to you that you are wrong! Really, ministry is about service; it is about God’s will, purpose and counsel; and it is about your generation.
Hence, irrespective of the direction of your own passion – maybe yours is towards politics\government, or social & spiritual, or education, or even sports & entertainment, you can actually become a minister. However, you will need to align your direction of passion or interest with those factors above – service; God’s will, purpose and counsel; and your generation.
Next time, as God wills, we shall be taken a careful look at each of the factors, which could set men apart after they are long gone on the earth – as to whether they are really sleeping like King David, or somewhere gnashing their teeth in regret or underutilization and mis-utilization of their lives.