It is not about your ministry. That is a phrase, or maybe a theme put into a phrase, that seems to be permeating parts of the Church. The theme is that we need to concentrate on Jesus and not on our calling to ministry. Another popular phrase, or again a theme, is that we need to know our place in Christ. When used together the two themes create an oxymoron. More than that is the idea expressed by the term “It is not about your ministry” sound like good advice, until you look closely at the words and ideas contained in the phrase.

The word “not” is like a negative sign in front of a number; it reduces the value by 200 percent. In other words the difference between 5 and -5 is 10, 200% of the original 5. The word “about” means near (about noon) – almost (about finished) – opposite in direction (turn about / about face) – relating to (the book is about WWII). It is the last use that one would assume the phase to be using. The noun “about” is referring to would be of some importance. We have two pronouns – “it” and “your,” both pointing outside the first person. “It” is referring to an understood or previously referenced (in this case ambiguous) noun. “Your” refers to the person to whom the phase is spoken. The word “not” with “about” indicates the opposite or of less value by 200% of what is being related to; in this case “your ministry”.

Let’s take a look at the word “ministry.” First let’s look at minister. The word “minister” has been used to speak of a person who has taken a leadership role in a group of believers and in some cases a dictatorship leadership role. But the word minister does not mean leader, or it was not the original meaning. Like the word “lord” has been misused in phases like “lord it over,” the word minister has also been abused and the meaning somewhat tainted. The word means, “to wait upon as a servant”. Ministry is the results of a minister’s actions. The phase “not about your ministry” means it is not about being a servant; in fact it is 200% in the opposite direction.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus said, “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). The idea that you need to focus on Jesus and what is important to Him, and not “your ministry” is an oxymoron. Jesus came to be a servant and has sent us in the same way – as He was sent, we are sent. The idea that we need to know our place in Christ speaks to us knowing our calling as servants of the gospel of Jesus Christ – ministry is the actions born out of that knowing. God working in us and through us guides us through the ministry of service.

The people using the phase “It is not about your ministry” really are trying to say, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). They are attempting to advise you not to treasure the gift more than the giver. The phrase may have more impact if it were self refection (it is not about my ministry, but about the ministry of Jesus working in and through me). The truth is we are all called to have an impact on the world by our indwelling in Christ (the full armor of God) and His dwelling and flowing through us. At a young age Jesus knew He needed to be about His Father’s business. We are called as adopted sons into the family business. Do not devalue your ministry, lift up Jesus so all men will be called unto Him.

© 2012, Tim D. Coulter Sr.