We Are All Ministers and Servants

1 Corinthians 4:1 - Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

I became ordained two years ago as a minister at our church. Although unexpected, I was uncomfortable with it until I researched the definition of a minister. Once I saw that it meant “servant” I was immediately able to connect with that. And, when you think about it, we are all ministers and servants.

It’s not about a title.

You don’t have to be ordained to be a “servant” of God. We all are “ministers” to an extent, because whatever we do, we’re to do as unto God, not man. It’s not about a title.

The Apostle Paul understood this very well in speaking to the Church at Corinth because they were quarreling over who they preferred more. Him or another preacher, Apollos.

1 Corinthians 3:5-8 – ⁵ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? ⁶ I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. ⁷ So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. ⁸ Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

As we can see in this passage, it’s not about a title or following a person. Paul asked them directly who is Apollos? Who is Paul? And the answer Paul gave is clear:

We are God’s servants/ministers.

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. - 1 Corinthians 4:1

We have an opportunity to serve and minister to others in our sphere of influence.

Of course those who have a specific title in the Church as Pastor, deacon, or minister, will be held to a higher standard. Jesus said that “to whom much is given, much is required”.

And, the Lord’s brother, James makes it clear that those of who teach will be held to a higher standard.

Regardless of a persons position the goal should always be the same.

To Serve.

Jesus is an excellent example of this. Look at what He said about Himself in Matthew 20:28:

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

For a believer in Christ, it takes consistency, obedience and faithfulness to finish this race called faith!

So my friends, know that you do have a position in the Body of Christ – You are a minister and you are a servant.

Be encouraged!