The Difference Between A "Job" And A "Ministry"

Some people have a "job" in the Lord's church, while others involve themselves in a "ministry." What’s the difference?

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

2) If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a job. If you keep on serving, it’s a ministry.

3) If you’ll do it only as long as it does not interfere with your 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.

4) If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a job. If you stay with it even though nobody recognizes your efforts, it is a ministry.

5) It’s difficult to get excited about a job. It’s almost impossible not to be excited about a ministry.

6) If our concern is success, it’s a job. If our concern is faithfullness, it’s a ministry.

7) An average church is filled with people doing jobs. A great and growing church is filled with people involved in ministry.

Think about it! And if we are not already involved, let’s get involved in ministry for the Lord and “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets