Work versus Ministry

[Droobie]

In this poll, we ask the question of 'secular' work versus your 'ministry'. For those who have jobs outside of the Church, and at the same time are involved with some form of Ministry inside the Church. Be it ministry of helps, car-parking, preaching, choir, hospitality, teaching, cleaning, cooking... whatever. Of course we need to earn a living. How much time outside of our jobs should we be spending at Church? Does our ministry take precedence over our secular jobs? How does one fit family into this?

[The_Saint]

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8

"Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee." Deuteronomy 5:12

Everybody must take a day off once a week -- God's orders. And no yard work, either! (Such as mowing the lawn.) And no cooking!

Jesus, Himself, said to keep the 10 commandments. It's in the Gospels.

[flowergirl]

what if you like yard work and cooking?

[The Midge]

Mmmmmmmm, work is my ministry it raises the money for the tythe and the funds to do Church related things. On a good day it may even make the world a better place.

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8

"Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee." Deuteronomy 5:12

Everybody must take a day off once a week -- God's orders. And no yard work, either! (Such as mowing the lawn.) And no cooking!

Jesus, Himself, said to keep the 10 commandments. It's in the Gospels.
Ministers are in a bit of a bind then. Nurses and doctors must be of the devil. Or does it not matter about which day they take off?

[Snowy]

a balance of both

[Konnie]

Mmmmmmmm, work is my ministry it raises the money for the tythe and the funds to do Church related things. On a good day it may even make the world a better place.


Ministers are in a bit of a bind then. Nurses and doctors must be of the devil. Or does it not matter about which day they take off?
I think ministers are like the priests that Jesus said desecrated the day but were innocent. So are nurses and doctors.

[Roxa]

I am on the mission field and am not allowed to work. So my time is devoted to ministry.

[Hands&Feet]

I have talents and gifts which I use in the Christian community. I write, preach, lead worship, etc. and most would consider these to be ministry and I suppose they are right.

But, I love my day job and am involved with a couple of other "secular" activities, as well. I must say that, in terms of their spiritual value, I think that what I do outside of the church far outweighs my in-church ministry.

Although many are still unsaved, the friends I have made at work and outside the church are like my family to me. I don't "confront" them with the Gospel, but I live my Christianity before them as best as I can. I care for them, comfort and counsel them; I lend them a helping hand whenever I can and try to love them unconditionally. By living this way before them, I have gained their trust and respect and many have come to trust in my Jesus as a result. Once they trust us, it becomes much easier for them to trust our God, as well.

I didn't used to feel this way about this issue. I still love worshipping with believers. But, those who do not know our Lord are not going to find Him through me if I don't have the time for them because I am too busy with "church."

But, the bigger our institutional churches become, the less time and energy we have to be Jesus to an increasingly hurting world.

No offense intended here, just the way faith is working itself out in my life. My coin tossed into the ring. :)

[Dr Kimble]

Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God!

Pastors teach about God. Architects build churches for God. Artists draw for God. Grocers sell and provide food for God's people. etc.

Whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto me -Jesus

[JC_FREAK]

I have a calling, I feel to witness and do outreach but this is not on a full-time basis!! I have a secular job and I am a student so a lot of my time is devoted to my studies....ok, ok not a lot but some of it...a little!! Hehehehe

[Tracie]

Your secular job is your ministry. Ministry isn't a specific list of certain jobs. It is your life. I believe God puts you in a job for a reason. Not only so that you can provide for your family, but so that you can be Jesus to the lost people you work with.

So, I don't think you should differentiate between your "job" and your "ministry"....make sure they are all the same thing!!!!

Tracie

[pmarquette]

Tracie wrote : So, I don't think you should differentiate between your "job" and your "ministry"....make sure they are all the same thing!!!!
we all have 24 hours a day , we all work > / = 8 hours at some thing , and all sleep < /= 8 hours , what do you do with the other 8 ?
Paul the apostle made tents , to raise money , to go on mission trips , to spread the gospel .... Paul wrote in Ephesians 4.11 some are called to full time ministry , to teach the rest of us Ephesians 4.12 to do our part ....

A matter of our " job + " .....
work plus nursing home and hospital visits ; work plus teaching the bible to prisoners ; work plus feeding the hungry , clothing the naked ; work plus tithing , plus offerings , plus missionary support .... Matthew 10.32-41 ; Matthew 25.32-42 ; Matthew 28.18 ;

Ezekiel 3.18-24 Go Ye to all the world , baptize , preach , teach , heal : Luke 9.1 ; Luke 10.9 ; Mark 16.16-20

whether that world is your family and extended family ; your employee's immortal soul ;
those you meet during the day ; those in our country ; or to the nations ...

we all are part of the church , part of the body of christ , and share part of the work of the kingdom : we participate , support with money or with prayers , work to pay bills , that we might sow into the ministry our time , talent , words , life , and vocation....

[Glorianna]

My job is a form of my ministry. I am serving God when I work. And I often talk to others about God at my job. So to me there is no difference between the two. When I read the title of this forum, I said to myself "Versus? There's no such thing!"

[TheMainException]

That one struck me. I really should be working toward God more and me less. I guess I am working for God when I work for other people without pay...I guess that it is nearly the same. when we help someone we help God.

[stillblessed]

work,but we have a small church,so not alot of need there. but no excuses,i could be out doing volunter work at a mission. you know anything that he commands you to do,is of the church

[PaladinGirl]

I voted "My job." I don't have a ministry. I'm just an ordinary Christian.

[Crystal_Dawn]

God first, then family, then job. I am substitute teacher so I am blessed with the luxury of choosing when to and when not to work. Also, my calling is working with youth. I lead a dance ministry and work in the nursery and childrens church...so my secular job actually lines up with God's purpose for my life. The greatest priviledge as a substitute is being able to have the opportunity to be an influence on these children outside of church.

[faith by day]

i balance.... but my work (job) is school......so i can do both at a time ;)

[faith by day]

but god is always first

[Touring3D]

As a full-time student, I put more effort into my studies. I really do feel the pull to be a bit more involved.

[hopper]

I think for most of us our ministry is our job (see Great Commission in Matthew 28), even if we don't make our money that way.

[john14v6]

my work has a lot to do with my ministry...I bring the gospel with me to work, help those in nedd, and show my co-workers what a christian really is. I do try to balance work and ministry (in the church) though.

[Caprice]

I believe that my first ministry is to my family (wife and child-on-the-way) and I definetly would put that before any other priority.

[The "J"]

I think too much glory is given to ministries and that "secular" work isn't given enough credit. Christians serve God, whether they're washing dishes or preaching sermons or configuring computer networks. I say, both!

[Moros]

I am out of both at the moment.

[DanielJamesSimon]

I think too much glory is given to ministries and that "secular" work isn't given enough credit. Christians serve God, whether they're washing dishes or preaching sermons or configuring computer networks. I say, both!
I couldn't agree more.

“If a man is called to be a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven played music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

Streetsweeping is every bit as much a ministry as is being a pastor - they are simply different ministries. God uses different people differently, but the streetsweeper who doesn't bring one soul to the Lord but serves God with all his heart will please Him more than the half-hearted pastor who may have saved dozens.

[Bladecarver]

Unfortunately, my job, though I'm trying to get a paintball ministry going...

[christianfilmcrew]

Prefer ministry, but have to work out of necessity. Am now looking for work that is ministry :D

[okiemommy26]

a balance of both God understands that you have to work but you do have to make time for your ministry

[pcwilkins]

what if you like yard work and cooking?

It's still work, whether you like it or not! Just cos you like to not keep the Sabbath, that doesn't mean you shouldn't!

Peter

[brinny]

I think for most of us our ministry is our job (see Great Commission in Matthew 28), even if we don't make our money that way.


:amen:

[Neal]

I can't take my work anywhere without ministry! :-D

[Waterhouse]

You need to put food on the table first...

[Waylon]

Hello all! This is my first reply. This is a cool topic because I belive that your secular job can be a ministry. I'm struggling though at my work because any sign of kindness or humblness is seen as weakness and you get trampled. You lose rank and respect. It's a tough world.

[bill16652]

i work at ministry all the time. god has called me and it is a priveledge

[Kristi1]

I voted ~> My ministry


*This is because I am Severely Disabled and unable to work. So. I spend time online Keeping My Ministries that God gave me to keep Busy..


Love n' Hugs, \o/ :clap:

KristiAnn
MsGuidedAngel :angel:

[Raheelah]

i don't work so i spend time doing Christian related activities and other normal day to day stuff :) ;) :D :cool: :P :wave: :thumbsup: :amen: :clap: :hug: :preach: :prayer: :groupray: :bow: :angel:

[EnlightenedWitness]

My ministry includes all that I try to teach my son and share with my family (most of whom, while God-fearing, are not saved). I don't count the hours, though, so I'm not sure where most of my time goes. I pray that God continues to increase my ministry and I'm sure that he's keeping tabs. ;)

[Philled-one]

I don't see how you can divided work and ministry. Our whole life should be a ministry to others, not just the tme that we spend in active "church" work.

[joefish]

It's still work, whether you like it or not! Just cos you like to not keep the Sabbath, that doesn't mean you shouldn't!

Peter

We're not bound by the Old Testament Law anymore. Yes, God was on to something when he told us to rest - we need it. But If I enjoy cooking, and want to make a cake on Sunday afternoon (or saturday, or whichever day is holy for you), then there is nothing wrong with doing that.

I think we should work to our best efforts whether or not we work in a "ministry", or have a "regular" job which makes us a "normal" Christian. Not all of us are called to be pastors, some of us are called to be school teachers, doctors, builders, etc. Whatever we do, we should do it for the glory of God.

[plum]

i don't think that people are only called to "the ministry" meaning preaching, mission work, etc... I think that our calling could be: a mother, a professor, a mobilizer, a coach... because that's our ministry to others.

just my idea, I guess.

[ilovechrist2005]

same here but i am at church aloti balance.... but my work (job) is school......so i can do both at a time ;)

[ilovechrist2005]

i don't think that people are only called to "the ministry" meaning preaching, mission work, etc... I think that our calling could be: a mother, a professor, a mobilizer, a coach... because that's our ministry to others.

just my idea, I guess.
i agree with you

[kellyp1967]

I am mostly busy with work, unfortunately. I care 11 a night for an elderly sick lady in her home. I really enjoy it, but would love to devote that much time in the ministry!

[die2live]

I think you're job, whether secular or directly ministry related, should be your ministry. I plan to go into full-time ministry, but right now, I'm working at a shoe store with only one Christian that I'm sure of (as sure as I can be at least). So I see my job now being one of my greatest ministry opportunity. 1 Corinthians 10:31 and 1 Peter 4:11 both emphasize the importance of doing everything with God's strength to His glory. Just because you aren't being paid for the ministry doesn't mean you are not expected to fulfill that role.

[GodFlute2]

Somewhere in between.

[firestar]

Work sadly

[crusader4peace]

im not sure

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am close

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am close but

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am close but not

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am close but not yet

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am close but not yet old

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am close but not yet old enough

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am close but not yet old enough to

[Godslilgurlalways]

I spend more time in my ministry than work since I am close but not yet old enough to work:)

[Godslilgurlalways]

Some reason it does this whem I first post:)

[handmaiden97]

Why the seperation? We are all called to preach the gospel, to be a light in a dark world, to be a minister of reconcilliation...this is a full time callign on each of us. If you work outside fo the church then you have an advantage, your work is the field you are to be influencing! If you work a construction job, then reach your fellow consturcion workers with the good news of the gospel that is your full time ministry.

the disadvantage comes for people who serve full time in a ministry role (im a secretary for a missions orginization and a directer over our rodeo ministry) however I spend most of my time with my computer surrounded by beleivers! For me my job is ministry, but if I want to go out and minister to the lost I have to make it a priority, take a class, join a club, go hang out and the local gas stattion. it is not easy Im surrounded by believers

[krys4ever]

I have begun to devote more of my time to God and my ministry.

[BlessedMommy05]

I think there should be a ballance of both, and yes we need to fit family and our own personal time into things which into today's age is hard to do. I am in choir but I am also a stay at home mom, wife and student, and I am looking for work.. So things are tight but I do enjoy it.

[Kirkhaven]

At one time, I was working a 43 hour week at a clinic, combined with 30 hours of ministry.

[Followers4christ]

voted: My ministry.To serve God is my life.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

[Raydar]

In this poll, we ask the question of 'secular' work versus your 'ministry'. For those who have jobs outside of the Church, and at the same time are involved with some form of Ministry inside the Church. Be it ministry of helps, car-parking, preaching, choir, hospitality, teaching, cleaning, cooking... whatever. Of course we need to earn a living. How much time outside of our jobs should we be spending at Church? Does our ministry take precedence over our secular jobs? How does one fit family into this?
A loaded question. I spend 50 hours per week at work including driving to and from. Part of that time is in ministry in that I am to be an example of Christ when I am in the world.

[pumanator]

my church is too far away to be able to commit to anything

[elessarelfstar]

WE (unless we are talking about a Jewish person) were never under OT Torah law... in that way of saying it.