In my Prison Epistles class today, we were going over Ephesians 4 and what it means to walk according to the calling one has received (4:1). As we were discussing the part about the different gifts (4:11), my professor pointed out something that was very interesting. Here is what the text says:
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
Did you catch what it says about those who have received the gifting of apostleship, prophet, evangelist, and pastor and teacher? What is their purpose? Is it to take over the ministry? Is it to do all the work? No! It says that they are to prepare God’s people for works of service. Ministers are not called to do all the work of the ministry. They are not called to be every where all at once. Rather, they are called to prepare the people so that THEY do the work!
Doesn’t this bring so much freedom? It takes the stress away from trying to do it all and save the world. There has been such a wrong model of ministry leadership in America lately. The expectations of a pastor/minister/leader are to change the entire ministry, to make every single member of the congregation into amazing Christians, and to reach all the lost in the city. This was not Paul’s idea of the call on ministers. They are to build up the people, equip them, and have them go out and do all that stuff.
So Pastors, don’t try to do it all! Learn to train and delegate. And, members of the church, do something! Don’t expect your pastor to do it all. This is your ministry and your responsibility. If everyone does something, then a lot more can be done if only one person does everything. As Mother Teresa said, “You can do something that I can’t. I can do some things you can’t. Together, we can do great things.”
What do you think about this model of ministry? As a leader, have you been following this example and training? As a member, have you been taking an active part in your ministry?
I agree. If pastors/ministers do all the work, not only will they get burned out, but the work they’re doing won’t be as affective.
i agree completely too..
i’ve been guilty of doing this a few times with high school ministry.. but i noticed that not only is it less affective.. but when i do that, i rob others of their opportunity to serve by trying to do everything myself
Very nice and true…thanks for sharing it with us…..very well said.