A Universal Calling

Acts 6:1-7

Select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. . . . Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word. (Acts 6:3-4)

AS FAR BACK AS THE EARLY CHURCH, many Christians have assumed that those with a deep desire to be of service in God’s Kingdom should go into church work. Somehow, we got the impression that “ministry” and “secular vocations” are two different spheres of influence. There have always been exceptions—people who understand the diversity of God’s calling and the kinds of ministry that take place in every area of society—but most people with a sense of calling have found themselves encouraged to pursue full-time, vocational ministry. We’ve missed the fullness of Jesus’ commission.

Peter wasn’t necessarily wrong in insisting that the apostles should be preaching rather than serving widows—believers do carry out different roles—but it’s gratifying (and somewhat amusing) that the next few chapters of Acts are filled with the exploits of the men who were assigned to be table-servers. Philip and Stephen apparently did not carry a lesser Spirit within them than Peter and John did. We’ve already explored the importance of carrying the same Spirit into businesses, schools, governments, stores, media outlets, and more. These informal ministries are vital for reaching this world, perhaps even more vital than positions within the church. They may be less explicit, but they are more strategically placed. They take the character and power of the gospel to people who are not likely to step inside of a church to see what God is doing.

Do not dismiss the importance of marketplace ministries, even covert ones. Learn to see yourself as a shepherd of a group of people, though you may never be called “pastor.” Help those around you learn, even if you’re not a teacher. Encourage others with God’s voice, knowing you will likely never be considered a prophet. Every follower of Jesus is a minister of his message and a carrier of his Kingdom. Make the most of your opportunities to take the Spirit and his wisdom into this world.

{Holy Spirit, you are the author of ministry, and you are extremely creative in the ways you carry it out. Use me wherever you choose, as openly or obscurely as you choose, whenever the need arises. May I carry your character, your message, and your Kingdom wherever I go. Amen.