God needs normal people
Several people I know went into the ministry soon after getting saved, but often wonder if they just assumed that was where they needed to be. Some people fear full commitment to God because they think that means full-time commitment to the Church. It seems to me that God needs more “normal people” spreading the gospel. No, I don’t mean to say ministers aren’t normal, but a friend can often put things into perspective better than anyone. Sometimes a person that doesn’t know God filters anything a minister says just because they look at it as a sales pitch. For example, who would you trust to tell you that a Nissan Altima is a great car, a car salesperson, or your friend? I think this is often the same way with the ministery. God needs good reviews from people like you and me. Mini-ministers that tell people what God is doing for them, and that choosing to follow Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to them. You don’t have to preach, just include God in your everyday conversation. When they become more inquisitive (what your waiting for), then be ready to tell them about things he’s done and does for you. I think this may be one of the best ways available to spread the gospel of Jesus.
Matthew 28:16But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.
17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.
18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19″Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
I think a lot of Christians assume they need to go into pastoral ministry in order to effectively spread the Word. What they fail to realize is (1) most people should not become a professional minister, because God equips only a few people for that job; (2) the primary job of a pastor is tending to a flock and building up the sheep for ministry outside the congregation; (3) God needs and equips far more people for ministry out in the trenches.
I like point number 2 especially, because I think discipleship has been lost in today’s churches. The pastor is taking on all responsibilities, while church members basically just show up.