The Call To Ministry

The passage in Paul’s second letter to Timothy is usually quoted when someone becomes an ordained pastor. So many within the church say it doesn’t apply to them.

But this is an error, because much of the church has misapplied the term “minister.” They say it belongs to those who are full time pastors, but the Bible makes it clear that all Christians are ministers of the gospel. This is brought out in God’s call to those who are leaders within the church.

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

And so with the gifts and talents God has given you, use them as ministers of the gospel.
But not only are we ministers, but also we’ve been called to be priests offering up to God ourselves in service.

“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)

And finally we’ve all been given the same commission, the Great Commission.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20a)

This is then enough, that is, nothing more is really needed in this discussion. God has called us all to the ministry of gospel of Jesus Christ. This then is the Apostle Paul’s charge to all of us.

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

Each One Reach One