This blog is about to take a turn…
In its infancy (first 2 weeks) of existence, I struggled with the direction of where I wanted this blog to go. I’ve made entries regarding my family with cute pictures of Aaron. I’ve posted entries on worship music. I’ve posted entries on daily musings—things that I’ve noticed or what’s going on in our lives. But I didn’t really know where else to go with this. Then, it hit me…
After joining Facebook and re-connecting with friends from the past, I’ve received the same question a few times: You’re not in ministry anymore? What are you doing now and why?
Thus, I’ve decided to tailor this blog for people like me…and probably, people like many of you—people who have chosen a different route of ministry. We are not full-time paid ministers at a church. We are not vocational pastors. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) We have own our own businesses or we work in “regular” jobs, and yet, we love God and want to make an impact for his kingdom. Are we less a minister of the gospel than the senior pastor of First Baptist Church? I don’t think so. And that’s what I want to focus my posts on. Sure, I’ll continue to post pictures of Aaron and update you on his latest accomplishments. I’ll still talk about American Idol and how I’m glad that Kristy Lee Cook is finally gone. I’ll even keep sharing a worship song (or even a secular one!) here and there. But, for the most part, I want to encourage everyday ministers who are not paid to do ministry, but do it anyway!
I’ve thought about this and I’ve come up with (it may not be new) a new mathematics of ministry. When I first became a Christian back in the late 80s and felt a calling to be a pastor in 1990, the math of ministry was simple:
Full-time church position + a seminary education + God = Ministry
Well, my new mathematical formula goes like this…
(Life + Family + Work) x God = Ministry
As God infuses your daily life, your family life and your work life, you become an effective minister for God. So, in this blog, I’ll share my insights as I try to flesh out this new math in my own life. I hope that you’ll share yours too.
What do you think about the new mathematics of ministry compared to the old math?
Love the formula. I think you’re right on. Glad I found your blog and look forward to reading more.
I was NEVER good at math, but this makes sense!
I don’t know Anh… Is it really possible that all people can be ministers? Isn’t that dangerous to this wonderful system we’ve assembled where professional Christians are more holy? I like my formula…
Paid Minister = Better Christian
I like the formula Steve. Maybe that’s why I don’t make much money…
As a paid minister, i.e. better Christian, I too like the math, but would suggest changing “God” to “God’s Work” or perhaps “Providence” because God doesn’t equal anything or God times something is not equal to anything. I guess I get paid to say things like that.
