Anyone who has ever been in ministry can vouch for me when I say that it is hard work. To be an effective minster(or perhaps I should use the less glorious yet synonymous term, a servant) one must be selfless and must take the stance of servitude. However, In the contemporary Church, it seems as though the term 'minister' has lost some valuable meaning- it has become more frequent that the 'minister' is the receiver of service rather than the giver.
Now I'm not saying it's a malpractice to accommodate pastors, musicians and the alike for their contributions to an event or church service. Being a musician myself, I have traveled hours away on numerous occasions to sing a set for a youth event and left empty handed. This should not be.
But when leaders in the church are being pampered and catered to by the congregation just because of their position, something is wrong. Even Jesus said "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). With this issue becoming more common place, it is important that we who have been called reevaluate ourselves.
Am I giving enough? Am I displaying the love of Christ to my brothers and sisters? Am I doing my part ? Am I selfless? These are the questions that keep me up at night. It is true, youth leaders are looked to as "the leaders" yet often we feel inadequate or unqualified. And chances are, our suspicions are correct. We aren't good enough. But God didn't call us to be good enough, he called us to serve, to cry out in the wilderness like John did "make straight the way of the Lord." We are called to present the Gospel humbly, and admit our faults-- that "[we] are not the Christ!" (John 1).
Now I'm not saying it's a malpractice to accommodate pastors, musicians and the alike for their contributions to an event or church service. Being a musician myself, I have traveled hours away on numerous occasions to sing a set for a youth event and left empty handed. This should not be.
But when leaders in the church are being pampered and catered to by the congregation just because of their position, something is wrong. Even Jesus said "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). With this issue becoming more common place, it is important that we who have been called reevaluate ourselves.
Am I giving enough? Am I displaying the love of Christ to my brothers and sisters? Am I doing my part ? Am I selfless? These are the questions that keep me up at night. It is true, youth leaders are looked to as "the leaders" yet often we feel inadequate or unqualified. And chances are, our suspicions are correct. We aren't good enough. But God didn't call us to be good enough, he called us to serve, to cry out in the wilderness like John did "make straight the way of the Lord." We are called to present the Gospel humbly, and admit our faults-- that "[we] are not the Christ!" (John 1).
So what is the solution? I have no idea; but I can tell you means to the solution. The Bible. His Word is the standard for every ministry and person who genuinely wants to make a difference. Also, prayer helps us conform our wills to His Word.
-Be Encouraged,
Tre Michael
-Be Encouraged,
Tre Michael