Ministry Once you begin to grow in Christ you come to realize that God saved you for more than just a delayed reward in Heaven. He wants you to grow and become fruitful in service to Him now on the earth. This is sometimes referred to as ministry. Many get confused thinking that the pastors of churches are called “Ministers” and that only they are to do ministry. The truth is, God calls all Christians to do ministry service. "Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it." —1 Corinthians 12:27 A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church. —1 Corinthians 12:7 The immediate response most people have is to say, “I don’t know how,” or “I don’t have the ability.” That really isn’t necessary, because God plans to provide everything you need. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 1:7 Remember that God made you with a purpose and He already knows what your best ministry will be. It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. —1 Corinthians 12:11 The challenge for all Christians, new and old, it to discover what their spiritual gift for ministry is and then use it in effective ministry. This will probably take a while, but the key is to get started exploring. Talk with a Christian friend or pastor and find some ministry area they will help you become involved in. Be open minded and let God show you what He has planned. Being Fruitful Once you become involved in ministry service you should begin to see “fruit”. There should be some good outcome that is pleasing to God. My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father. —John 15:8 There is a danger that we could become involved in a ministry for self centered reasons rather than in obedience to God. If we do ministry without obedience we can expect a response from God that may not be pleasant. “He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit” (John 15:2a). However if we do our ministry in obedience “he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” (John 15:2b). The key to fruitful effective ministry is allowing Christ to work through you. He is the source of everything you will need. Therefore you have the promise that if you stay close Jesus, you will produce fruit. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5 Help of the Church It will take time for you to determine, with God’s help, what your spiritual gift for ministry is. Don’t become frustrated during that process. God wants you to become involved and discover things little by little. The church can be a great help to you by providing you with ministry opportunities and someone to assist you. Your work will eventually become valuable to the church as well and then you will be able to share your experience as you help a someone in the future to discover their spiritual gift for ministry. Talk with your Christian friend or Pastor about becoming involved in ministry. Being Fruitful Once you become involved in ministry service you should begin to see “fruit”. There should be some good outcome that is pleasing to God. My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father. —John 15:8 There is a danger that we could become involved in a ministry for self centered reasons rather than in obedience to God. If we do ministry without obedience we can expect a response from God that may not be pleasant. “He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit” (John 15:2a). However if we do our ministry in obedience “he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” (John 15:2b). The key to fruitful effective ministry is allowing Christ to work through you. He is the source of everything you will need. Therefore you have the promise that if you stay close Jesus, you will produce fruit. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5 Help of the Church It will take time for you to determine, with God’s help, what your spiritual gift for ministry is. Don’t become frustrated during that process. God wants you to become involved and discover things little by little. The church can be a great help to you by providing you with ministry opportunities and someone to assist you. Your work will eventually become valuable to the church as well and then you will be able to share your experience as you help a someone in the future to discover their spiritual gift for ministry. Talk with your Christian friend or Pastor about becoming involved in ministry.

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