Pastors Pen Reflection

 

 Dear <<Name>>
   Not every person of faith is a pastor but every person of faith is called into ministry. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us; “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  Each person is part of that royal priesthood called into ministry.
 
A church can be empowered if the people who God has called would live into that calling from God. I believe Lay ministry is the back bone of what we do in ministry. Pastors don’t make strong churches, they equip them in as many ways as possible. Buildings don’t make strong churches, they house them. Denominations don’t create strong churches, they bring them together. Strong and mature churches are born when the people of the church realize what real biblical ministry is and choose to accept God’s calling to engage in it.  
 
Ministry is the evidence of Jesus, being lived out in the people of the church. It is the extension of grace and love being poured out in how we live and treat others. Ministry is to be more like Jesus and less self-absorbed. Ministry is only as good as you make it and live into it. Each person is called and that calling is often a challenge because human nature is to back away; some people refuse to ever live into God’s calling. You are called no matter what you think.  Take a look at Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ministry is the family of God coming together to build community, share resources and to work together, desiring the deeper things of God.  Ministry reminds me of Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for God, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from God as a reward. It is Christ you are serving.”  Even Jesus came to serve in his calling. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of humanity did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”
 
I know that whatever God has given you to do God has also give you the ability to do it. The only question is, will you do it? Will you pick up your cross and follow Jesus?  I am praying that more of our people will step up and confess, “Here I am God use me.”
  Blessings 
Rev Terri