We hear talk a lot about people working "in the ministry," or "getting out of the ministry." What are your thoughts on this? -- Will
I am very glad that so many people are asking this question, because there is a false teaching going around which I am afraid has conditioned the thinking of many of us. All Christians share in the "ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5). We are all part of the "royal priesthood," the "kingdom of priests" (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6, 5:10). There is no clergy in the church of Christ. There is no laity. The human tendency is to create a "clergy class," but this is fleshly and manifestly against the spirit of the N.T. In short, all true Christians are "in the ministry."
Ministry literally means service. Peter tells us we should all use our gifts (talents, strengths, abilities) to serve others (1 Peter 4:8-11). We are all called to be servants--which is another way of saying we are all called to ministry. Now I do not mean to quibble about words. (The Bible warns about that, too!) But when only paid full-time staff are said to be "in the ministry," something is wrong. This wrong theology will inevitably discourage others who want to be used, but may not ever be in the fortunate position of making their living from the gospel.
Christians are in the ministry, and no believer ever leaves the ministry--unless he or she stops serving the Lord. I hope this vital clarification helps. Spread the word!
