One study shows that only 10% of pastors excel well in their service. 20% perform adequately; 20% are average, and the other 50% are irrelevant. One Bishop suggested that the pastors should be trained like those for the Indian Civil Service in Mussoorie. Those who do the work of God with slackness will be cursed. (Jeremiah 48:10)
Call or a Profession?: However, ministry and mission are not a profession, but a calling received from God. John Piper wrote a book for pastors: Brothers, We Are Not Professionals. He writes: “The mentality of the professionals is not the mentality of a prophet. It is not the mentality of the slave of Christ. Professionalism has nothing to do with the essence and heart of the Christian ministry…For there is no professional childlikeness; no professional tender heartedness; there is no professional panting after God. (Mathew 18:3; Ephesians 4:32; Psalms 42:1)
Diligence: Christian ministry is about diligence and excellence, contrasting with slackness and lethargy. It is not just about preaching or teaching, but in all things that are considered insignificant or small. Such as: Arranging chairs, setting the stage, cleaning the floor, being ushers, teaching children, removing cobwebs, serving communion, playing music…etc. Volunteers, elders, deacons, and lay leaders are expected to be diligent in their roles and responsibilities.
Hard work: Ministry, wherever done, is a hard job. It is not a simple task, but a significant eternal task. Whatever is done, it affects eternity. Teaching a three-year-old kid in Sunday School is a significant task. There is a need for preparation, prayer, and commitment, which are hard work.
Commitment: Ministry (lay, part-time, full-time, overtime) means commitment. First, there is the commitment to God, which means being accountable to God. No one could offer excuses to God. Second, commitment to people. Mission is for the people; without loving and committing to them, it is not possible. Third, commitment to the Word of God. All ministry and mission efforts spring from the Bible. Fourth, commitment to the family. No one engaged in the ministry should ever neglect their family.
Do I serve the Lord diligently?