Job versus Ministry

Some people have a JOB in the church; others involve themselves in a MINISTRY.
What's the difference?

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.

If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a JOB.
If you keep on serving, it's a MINISTRY.

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.

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.

It's hard to get excited about a JOB.
It's almost impossible not to be excited about a MINISTRY.

If our concern is success, it's a JOB.
If our concern is faithfulness, it's a MINISTRY.

An average church is filled with people doing JOBs.
A great and growing church is filled with people involved in MINISTRY.

If God calls you to a MINISTRY, don't treat it like a JOB.
If you have a JOB, give it up and find a MINISTRY.

God does not want us feeling stuck with a JOB,
but excited and faithful to Him in a MINISTRY.

Service versus Mission

If you doing it with your head, it's a SERVICE.
If you doing it with your heart, it's a MISSION.

The purpose of a SERVICE by itself is to glorify your name.
The purpose of a MISSION is to glorify His Name---God.

If you doing things to expect a return, it's a SERVICE.
If you doing things to please God with no return, it's a MISSION.

You make excuses to perform a SERVICE.
You find every way to achieve your MISSION.

The outcome of your SERVICE might cause unhappiness.
The outcome of a MISSION is an internal happiness.

When you asked "What am I doing here?", you are performing a SERVICE.
When you asked "What can I do to achieve God's purpose in me?", you are working toward your MISSION.

Asked NOT What God can do for you (SERVICE),
but ask What I can Do for God (MISSION).

Updated: 1/12/96