I memorized Ephesians 4:11-14 a long time ago because those verses help me remember my primary responsibility as a missionary. Verses eleven and twelve mention that God has given gifted people to the church (pastors and teachers) for a specific purpose: “…the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” My job is to disciple and train believers to maturity so that they can experience the joy and the privilege of serving Christ.
One step that I have taken in the ministry here is to create opportunities for people to serve. I could very well lead every ministry in the church but I would be robbing them of so many blessings. I don’t want to be a one-man band. I cannot reach Spain and beyond by myself. I must multiply my efforts through others.
Recently my parents have gone on a short furlough and have left me with the full responsibility of both churches. Instead of this being a stressful time for me I have enjoyed seeing how God is using the believers in Parla to do the work of the ministry. I live fifty minutes away and I go to Parla only to preach on Wednesday and Sunday. They are taking care of the day-to-day work. I have never seen the church so excited. They are experiencing first-hand the joy of serving Christ. They are sharing the gospel. They are inviting friends to church. I spend my time helping the leaders of the various ministries in Parla to serve more effectively. By the way, they are doing a great job!
The work of the ministry isn’t for an elite few; it’s for the church as a whole. If I attempted to carry every load and lead every ministry, I would only be hurting them. Just like the parent that does everything for his children and doesn’t prepare them for the challenges ahead. God spare me from that sort of leadership. I can think of no greater joy in the ministry than being used of God to help others serve Him.
