Have you ever wondered how you can promote the word of God in such a way that it makes a difference in a person’s life? So many of us go to church, sing the songs and even attend short-term mission trips or work in Vacation Bible School. However, is this really promoting the word of God, or is it just proclaiming?
Richard RayNow, understand where I am coming from. We need to proclaim the word of God with our voice and with our actions, but it seems this only happens in the confines of our church life. What about all the other times we are outside the church confines of service? Second Timothy 2:15 says: “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
We as Christians, especially those who serve as ministers in our churches, must present or promote ourselves to God and receive his approval by working hard. We are to be good workers in our jobs, in how we volunteer and in how we serve our Lord. As we work, we are not to be ashamed of our faith that is expressed in our lifestyle. We always must be ready to explain the word of God to those we work with.
Work as a mission field
As I worked hard serving my church as a minister, I also was called to work hard in my various vocations of an Air Force serviceman, plumber, welder, janitor, assembly-line worker, maintenance worker, etc. I knew God had placed me in a particular vocation to work hard and to promote him. Each day I arrived at work, it was like arriving on a mission field, where I knew my work ethic was being presented to God, and I wanted his approval. It was my purpose to serve the Lord by working hard, which opened the door for me to explain the word of truth to those I worked alongside.
As you serve as a bivocational minister, remember your work ethic in the vocation God has provided for you is your second mission field to serve. When you show up for work, you are still the minister, the servant of God who has been called to make a difference in someone’s life. So be that good worker in both your words and actions so you will receive the approval of God.
Annual conference July 10-11
The Bivocational/Small Church Association invites you to the 29th annual Bivocational/Small Church Conference, hosted this year at Baptist Temple Church in San Antonio, July 10–11.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Passing the Baton.” Katie Swafford, director of counseling services for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, will speak to ministers’ wives. Other leaders and topics include Mario Gonzales, BGCT organic church director, “How to raise a Timothy” (bilingual); Nicholas Sowell, associate and young-adult pastor at True Life Fellowship in Round Rock, “How to Minister to Young Adults”; Mike Vasquez, youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Hondo; “How to Reach Youth for Christ”; and Dave Keith, pastor of Carlton Baptist Church in Carlton, “Servant Leadership: Pathway Following Biblical Patterns.”
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The conference also will feature interactive exhibits for social media, and a church financial assistant program demonstrated by Ryan Dennis. It will feature free childcare and a teen activity program led by Cory Devivo of Masterspeace Ministry.
On Saturday night, participants will share their talents of music, drama, skits, etc. in a time of praise and celebration. If you would like to perform, please email brother_ray@juno.com to reserve a performance time. Early conference registration is available at www.bivocational.com, where you also will find the conference schedule.
Remember, God has called you to serve him, but God has not called you to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling. Until next time, please visit our website, www.bivocational.com.
Richard Ray is executive director of the Bivocational/Small Church Association and director of missions for the Tri-Rivers Baptist Area. You can reach him at brother_ray@juno.com.
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