What Is Ministry?

The Biblical meaning of the word "ministry" is "service." When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, God calls each of us to serve Him faithfully with all our hearts, always keeping in mind the great things He has done for us.

"But be sure to fear the Lord

and serve Him faithfully

with all your heart;

consider what great things

He has done for you."

1 Samuel 12:24 (NIV)

In the Scriptures, Jesus Christ set an example for us to follow. God's Son came to serve, not to be served. Thus we are not to live the Christian life expecting God, or the Church, to serve us, but rather we are to serve God and others.

"For even the Son of Man

did not come to be served,

but to serve,

and to give His life 

as a ransom for many."

Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Just like Solomon in the Bible, we are asked by God to serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought.

"And you, my son Solomon,

acknowledge the God of your father,

and serve Him

with wholehearted devotion

and with a willing mind,

for the Lord searched every heart

and understands every desire

and every thought."

1 Chronicles 28:9a (NIV)

The best example of a person I know in full-time ministry today is a lady who attends a Bible study at my home. She has been lovingly taking care of her sweet, cancer-striken mother in her own home for several years. She won't receive a pay check, nor will she be given an earthly title, but never-the-less, her reward in heaven will be great.