Full-Time Ministry for Everyone

By Mike Henry Sr.

Have you ever considered going into full-time ministry? Have you ever thought about becoming a missionary? Previously, I used to think I had to quit my job to go into ministry. Ministry required seminary. To be a full-time minister, I either had to go to a Bible college or our family had to leave the country, or move to the inner city. My family would live on the charity of others. That is the price of being a Christian minister… isn’t it?

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 ESV

Ministry = Service

When we look at the Greek word most often translated “minister” we learn something new about ministry. Many Bibles translate the same Greek word with the English words, “servant” or “deacon.” So, a minister is someone who serves. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 ESV). The Greek word translated serve in that passage is also translated “minister” in several other places.

Re-imagine Your Career

Imagine what your career might have looked like if you had served your coworkers more. What if you had acted like a missionary assigned to your workplace? What differences would that have made?

  • You have your funding. So, you need not raise support, sell your possessions or move to another country.
  • Also, you already know the language and culture.
  • You already have people to serve in your job.

What is Ministry?

We misuse the words ministry and missionary. When we think to serve, we’re free to help others succeed. Activities typically associated with trying to convince someone they need to follow Jesus become unnecessary. We hope everyone meets and follows Jesus through free choice. But we need not make every conversation about Jesus. We can wait until we’re asked (1 Peter 3:15). 

Pray and Serve

Listen to Jesus and follow his lead. We won’t be perfect, but if we try to serve others because we believe in Jesus, that’s a good start. Also, we’ve identified five daily activities we can each do in any job:

  • Pray, 
  • Appreciate people, 
  • Know what we believe, 
  • Serve others, and 
  • Speak for ourselves. 

Check out the posts tagged marketplace ministry or search for “practical ideas” and you’ll find several posts that explain these 5 ideas. 

Begin Your Full-time Ministry

Begin your new, eternal career right now! Pray for your coworkers and do a great job. Jesus will give you ideas to serve others. Listen for them and then and do what he says.

Want to try it out? Sign up for the next Marketplace Missions Trip.

Pray for your coworkers and your career will become a full-time ministry.  

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