What do we mean when we talk about "ministry?"

At Calvary Baptist we are fond of saying, "Every member is a minister, and every minister must have a ministry." The Greek word in the Bible for "ministry" is also translated "service." Our Christian ministry and service is best understood in the following Bible verse.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Christian ministry is "doing good works" for others in the name of Jesus.

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Colossians 3:23-24

"Ministering" is the act of service, and "a Ministry" is an avenue of service. A "Ministry" is an area of service to which a Christian is committed to regular involvement using their spiritual gifts, talents, and time. Some examples are: prayer ministry, children's ministry, youth ministry, senior adult ministry, teaching ministry, evangelism ministry, greeter ministry, giving ministry, music ministry, etc.

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills." 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Christians have a servant's heart, a deep desire to serve Christ and His church. An attitude of service is a natural by-product of salvation.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

". . . but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26-28

Let us help you discover a ministry in which to serve. Speak to one of our pastoral staff. We want to enable you to serve the Lord through one of our current ministries or to help you create a new ministry in response to the Spirit's work in your life.

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