It’s official… I am in full-time ministry… yep I said it. Believe it or not, I am here.
You see, I was working part-time for Southeastern Seminary up until a few days ago. They always said it was my “ministry.” A few weeks ago my wife and I decided it was time for me to find a full-time job, with better pay and benefits.
At Southeastern I was completely surrounded by Christians. My job was to ‘minister’ to them. I did so by making sure their email worked and that they could check their grades online. I wonder how many crowns I am going to get in Heaven for that two years of work… err… ministry.
As of yesterday, I started working for a different company. My job here is to test BIOS code on varying servers. But I have the added benefit of being able to minister to my co-workers, who come from varying faiths and backgrounds). You see, I can talk with them, develop relationships with them, find out who they are, and what they need.
In my eyes, I am in full-time ministry, not because I am working some 40-hour-paid-position for the Church, not even because I am a full-time employee but because I have placed myself in different positions that allow me to minister to both Christians and non-Christians. Much more so than I was able to do before.
Perhaps that is what real full-time ministry is. What do you think?
Lew,
You asked what I thought. hmmm… Well, in one sense, I am very excited for you. In another sense, we are going to miss you in the office. However, it will be interesting to see what God has in store for you in your new job.
Now, as to what I think about the full-time/part-time ministry… you are in full-time ministry. As a matter of fact, you have always been in full-time ministry and you always will be. The question is, who are you serving (ministering)? Knowing you, you will serve God wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
-Alan
Agreeing with Alan:
“Now, as to what I think about the full-time/part-time ministry… you are in full-time ministry. As a matter of fact, you have always been in full-time ministry and you always will be. The question is, who are you serving (ministering)? Knowing you, you will serve God wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
“
Blessings!
~Heather
Alan and Heather,
Yeah, this post was kind of tongue-in-cheek. I knew that I was already in full-time (i.e. 24/7) ministry.
I was hoping my misuse of the term would be more clearly assumed. I was purposely misusing the term “full-time.” Basically I was saying that I am now “full-time” because I can minister to both non-Christians and Christians – not focusing on the “time,” but rather the “full.”
So, “full” as in complete. Since I think we as Christians should not just minister to one group, but to both (non-Christians and Christians).
Thanks for the comments,
Lew
I totally agree with your thinking on this. How did your first night on the job go?
You go, boy! Great thoughts, and I look forward to hearing what God does through you in your new place of “ministry” :)
Lew,
You said: “So, “full” as in complete. Since I think we as Christians should not just minister to one group, but to both (non-Christians and Christians).”
I like this idea of complete ministry – both to believers and non-believers. Thank you!
-Alan
Lew
It’s awesome that you are getting to minister to lost people, but I just wanted to clarify something which you may know, but your readership might not. You said while you were here (at Southeastern) you ministered “by making sure their email worked and that they could check their grades online.” You ministered in a much more significant way through your interaction with us in the office. I know that your encouragement, challenges, and friendship with us through your time here have significantly impacted me. So, while I’m aware that this was tongue-in-cheek I wanted to clarify that you did fulfill a meaningful ministry while here.
By the way, I hate you!
Drew
My first day was great… so far my first week has been great. I get to wear normal clothes now!
Steve and Alan
Thanks for stopping bye. I appreciate your comments.
Dan
Thanks for the encouragement. You too have ministered to me in many ways. I look forward to fellowshipping with you in the future – especially after July when it will be with you and your wife.
Thanks everyone for stopping bye.
God’s Glory,
Lew
Lew-
I followed you here from Alan’s blog…so here’s my 2-cents-worth:
ALL ministry is full-time, wherever it is. I don’t think Jesus had part-time followers in earth, and there’s no reason He should today. Seize the opportunity! (How does that play out in Latin? Carpe what???)
Kat
Elder’s Wife,
Thanks for stopping bye and taking the time to comment. I think the phrase you are looking for is carpe oportunitas :)…
I agree with what you said 100 percent. I attempted to use irony, sarcasm, and equivocation to get that point across in this post. I am not sure how well it worked – better luck next time I suppose.
Anyways, have a great week.
God’s Glory,
Lew
Lew,
Alan has a lot to answer for. I like to see whom he is interacting with and find myself on blogs like yours. I understood your irony. Alan also has that touch. I appreciate it, as well as your blog.
I wish more people would understand that full-time ministry is for every genuine member of the Body of Christ.
Blessings,
Aussie John
Aussie John,
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment. I appreciate your encouragement. Alan has been a great friend and pastor/mentor to me over the past two years.
I too wish that people would understand this and so much more.
God’s Glory,
Lew A
I agree wih Alan and others (and your tongue in cheek). If we are doing our spiritual act of worship of hte one true living God, laying down our bodies as living sacrifices to Him, then we are absolutely following the call of God and being the ambassadors of Christ He called us to be.