What is Ministry?

What do you think of when you hear the word "ministry"? Do you think of priests or other ordained "clergy"?

If so, then it might surprise you to hear we are all ministers.

Recall from our Baptismal covenant these words: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

The word "ministry" actually comes from the Greek word diakoneos, which means "to serve." In the New Testament, ministry is seen as service to God through the service of others. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian ministry - He came, not to receive service, but to give it (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17).

As followers of Christ, therefore, we are all called to serve God by serving one another – and when we do so, we are engaging in ministry.

Ministry therefore can happen anywhere. It’s not limited to the church’s official ministry list, nor does it have to happen at any institution or charity. Ministry can take place in your own home or at the workplace; it can be a big offering or the slightest of gestures. It can be celebrated with grand awards or it can happen in the quietest of moments, completely unnoticed.

In short, ministry happens when we seek to love and serve others as Christ loved and served us.

For help getting started, contact Jane Vander Velde our Time & Talent Coordinator at jhvelde@mac.com