The Pinnacle of Ministry

In some Christian circles, the teaching ministry of a pastor is seen as the most important role God gives people.  I do not believe this is true.  This view has unfortunately led to many preachers being elevated in the eyes of people within the church who can also aspire to be "up front" rather than being content to improve their service unto the LORD in their current situation.  The apostle Paul did not preach himself but Christ crucified and did not desire notoriety for himself.  In the minds of some people the opposite was true, for they criticised his manner of speaking lame and found his physical presence weak.  His detractors claimed Paul's letters were much more inspiring than seeing him speak in person.  Certainly they believed others were better suited for the teaching role--and maybe they thought they could do better.

While the teaching ministry of the church is critical and invaluable, there are countless other roles in the Body of Christ the church that are just as vital.  1 Corinthians 12:27-31 says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. ²⁸ And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way."  God appoints people in the church to serve in a variety of ways as they use the gifts He provides by His grace.  Paul went on to say walking in love towards God and others is the highest calling in the church, and in every role or gifting God gives provides, the love of Jesus ought to mark us.  Since people will know we are Christians by our love for one another, Christ's love through us can lead others to salvation by faith in Him.

There are genuine believers in the church who will never teach a Bible study or preach a sermon.  That is perfectly sensible, even as a nose cannot walk or a hand cannot digest food.  It would be a grave error to imagine a preaching or teaching ministry is the pinnacle of Christian service when Jesus is the Head of the Church Who humbled Himself, washed feet, and gave His life for others.  It is far more profitable to have the mind that whatever God gives or gifts you to do, use it with all your might for His glory.  It may be God has given you skill in administration or helps:  put your hand to the plough in practicing and refining your ability doing what God has gifted and enabled you to do rather than thinking you must go to seminary to be a better Christian.  If God has given you a spouse or children, you are called to teach them by the manner of your life, from the scripture, with your mouth and by faithfulness to love as Jesus loves you.  The pinnacle of ministry is to love like Jesus.

The opportunities outside the church are just as important as service within the church as Christians are led by God to share His love everywhere they go.  Practical service is a powerful testimony of God's love to people whether they know Jesus or not.  Lending a tool, offering a lift, giving a financial gift, helping someone struggling to walk up stairs or listening to someone who is emotionally troubled are just a handful of ways we can give of our time and resources to minister to others in God's love--regardless if you have a paid position in a church fellowship or not.  No one is hindered in fruitfulness to the LORD because they are not currently serving in a formal teaching role.  Let the love of Jesus and the light of the Gospel shine through our lives in all we do whether we sing or speak up front, are on the sound team streaming the service, or if we follow along in our Bibles and take notes.  God orchestrates more opportunities than we can imagine to serve the LORD when we are willing and obedient to follow Him.