A hip slogan for a lot of churches these days is “every member a minister”. What does that mean? What is a minister? What does a minister look like, sound like, act like? Now I know some people are wondering why am I being so cynical. Well, has this slogan and approach really moved the Church towards accomplishing it’s ultimate mission? The church is to reach a lost world for Jesus. Most of the members of our churches are only “ministering” to other people within the church. Which is awesome and needs to happen. But if we, the Church, are ONLY ministering to ourselves, then we’re only halfway there.
What if our desire was for every member to become a MISSIONARY? A missionary does more than minister to believers. A missionary seeks to expand those who believe. A missionary seeks to bring healing to the soul. A missionary adapts to the culture where God has place him/her and figures out what it takes to connect the naitives with God through a relationship with Jesus.
God has placed all of us in the middle of a mission field. Our schools, our offices, our homes. What would the Kingdom of God look like if we approached those fields like missionaries? That’s what we’re all called to do. Become a missionary!
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Matthew 9:12
I don’t think there is a lay Christian walking today that is a little bewildered as to his role in the ministry. I’m bewildered myself. I’ve done a number of things in producing witnessing literature. I’ve drawn a number of evangelical comics, and at the last couple of Northland Jubilees that my church puts on, performed as a mascot character.
But I really don’t think I’d survive in one on one witnessing. It’s too daunting.
Right on Matt. I like it. Every member is a missionary. That could transform a city! Glad I found your blog, I’m loving it.
Great post. The Big C church needs to get that picture.
I am tired of just ministering to believers. Not saying I don’t think that is important. Jesus goes on to say in verse 13 of Matthew 9 “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” That is important to him! If it is important to him it is important to me. Why isn’t important to his Church.
James 1:27 has really been speaking to me. Is his church living this out. Are we taking care of our modern day needy people? Are we feed those without food? Are we clothing the naked? Are we helping people with their problems?