Nov 3, 2007

The Difference Between a Ministry and a Job

I came across this piece a few years ago. Why do some churches experience dynamic growth and life while others languish in slow march to death and irrelevance? What are some of the differences in a dynamic, life changing church?

One of the characteristics of a thriving church is the people's understanding of their calling and their ministries. They don't just do something because they are supposed to. They do it because they are called to do it. They don't just do things because it's a job. They do it because it's their ministry.

Here's an article that expresses this better than I can.

If you are doing it because no one else will, it's a job.
If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it's a ministry.

If you are doing it just well enough to get by, it's a job.
If you are doing it to the best of your ability, it's a ministry.

If you will do it only so long as it doesn't interfere with other activities, it's a job.
If you are committed to staying with it, even when it means letting go of other things, it's a ministry.

If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a job.
If you stay with it even when no one seems to notice, it's a ministry.

If you do it because someone else said it needs to be done, it's a job.
If you do it because you are convinced it needs to be done, it's a ministry.

It is hard to get excited about a job.
It is almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry.

People may say, "Well done," when you do your job.
The Lord will say, "Well done," when you complete your ministry.

An average church is filled with people doing jobs.
A great church is filled with people involved in ministry.

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