Remaining true in your vocation

by Philip Aiyabei
(Nairobi, Kenya)

With the growth of churches and various ministries, leadership roles have also increased, with many keen on positions and power at the expense of the flock that have been left stranded with no one to guide them in discovering their gifting and service in the body of Christ.

The church is in crisis as leaders have resorted to what ‘I will get’ and not what ‘I will give.’ Many have moved from one church to another, seeking positions of power and authority, still others have been made worship leaders, with no idea of what worship is all about. Taking time in prayer and bible study has taken a back seat as many fight for positions in total disregard of their calling. In-fact the scramble for power is no different from one displayed in a political arena.

I recently visited a church for a Sunday service and I was shocked when the programmer announced that it was a leadership election week; inviting aspirants to campaign and convince members to elect them. More surprising was when each candidate was given five minutes each at the pulpit to sell his policies and what value he/she was going to add to the respective ministry role.

As I reflected on this I realized that serving in any ministry is not about titles but about the impact made to others. Whether you are an usher or preparing tea for the guests, it’s still a service unto God which we have to do whole heartedly. We can’t jump from one area of ministry to another just to be recognized; rather we should remain true in our vocation.

The bible puts it clearly: So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6: 2-4(new international version)

It’s clear from the scripture that the disciples could not have done everything at the same time, they knew their area of calling, and the ministry of serving at the tables had to be delegated to others who could be more effective. It was not about titles and power but rather meeting the needs of the believers and in building the body of Christ. It’s more beneficial even to resign from your current role in a ministry, if it does not bring growth to those under you.

Lord help me in remaining true to my calling that I may serve you with joy and inner satisfaction. Let me be a vessel of service in what you have created me to do. Amen