Engage in Ministry Part 1: Are You Called? - Ephesians 2:8-10
Dr. Kevin D. Glenn – Lead Pastor

This vital part of becoming a people and place of GRACE is built on a principle that it’s God’s will for every believer to be engaged in ministry. In fact, it’s one of the very reasons God’s saving grace is offered to humanity; so that humanity can glorify God by serving each other (Ephesians 2:8-10).

How does this happen? God gives each of us abilities, skills, gifts, experiences, and interests. God works in you and through them, so whether you’re an artist, an IT person, a teacher, day laborer, banker, student, butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, your vocation is a major avenue for doing God’s work in the human community. Today we’ll examine three ways the Scriptures teach that every member is a minister.

1. Every Christian has a

(vocation). - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. – Ephesians 2:10

• The Holy Spirit is not only a preacher that convicts people of sin and grace (John 16:8–11; 1 Thess. 1:5) also a gardener, an artist, and an investor in creation who renews the material world (Ps. 104:30, 65:9–13, 145:15–16 and 147:15–20).
• Our work in this world for this world is a holy calling of restoration.
• “Our work is a vital part of our identity. It is not the curse of humanity, but the holy vocation of the human race” – R.C. Sproul

2. Vocations Provide Opportunities to

. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. – Ephesians 2:10
• The quality of our work is its own form of witness. (Colossians 3:17)

• All work, according to God’s design, is service. When Christians work in the world, they function as salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13–16).

3. Opportunities are based on the world’s need, God’s

, and your presence. Isaiah 28:24–29
• Serving with people who don’t know Christ often creates opportunities to share Christ.
• The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.- Frederick Buechner

The first and greatest gift of God is the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ. Have you considered and accepted the gift of his calling?

Questions to Ponder
• Discuss the priesthood of the believer. How had you understood it before today? How do you respond to being “ordained” today?
• It can be hard to see our own job as a vocation (calling to minister). Let group members offer ideas and suggestions on how ministry can happen in each group members’ job. Encourage and pray for each other.
• Respond to “The quality of our work is its own form of witness.” What does this say about our responsibility as students, employees, family members, etc…?
• Given what James teaches about God sourcing and enabling all good gifts, in what ways can we be more confident in serving alongside people with whom we share a common concern, but maybe not a common faith? How would such partnerships both serve our communities and deepen our Christian witness?