Fulfill Your Ministry

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 ESV

“Race day is almost here!!! Who's ready??? Speaking of race day, did you hear the news about the Dogwood Canyon trail runs? As you know, Dogwood sold out weeks ago but.... today at noon, they will be opening up very limited no frill spots. No shirt or medal (can check for shirt availability AFTER the event) but you will get fed! And you will get to run the stunning hills of Dogwood Canyon!!!! Once these spots are filled, there will be no more opportunities to get in. So set a timer and get ready to register!!” Those were the words I posted to social media yesterday morning after receiving an email from the Bass Pro Fitness Series that made me smile. I not only shared the good news there but I immediately took a screen shot of the email and sent it to my dear friend Shannon who “was late” to the table and, to her dismay, been unable to gain entry. To say that this news made made her smile as well was an understatement!! After receiving my text, she replied “Well I’m glad you saw this! I’ll set my alarm!” And guess what? Because I told her the good news, she logged on at noon and is now registered for the most amazing trail run in the Midwest, and will be joining me at the start line!


And you know, while many believers won’t hesitate to openly share good news about worldly opportunities, very few believers publicly and consistently share the ONLY Good News that will grant a person entry into heaven. In fact, recent studies show that 95% of Christians say they have never led anyone to Christ and only about 5% of Christians admit to sharing their faith regularly, while 59% of Christians admitted to seldomly or never sharing their faith. Now if this has you saying to yourself, “But Melissa that’s because it's the pastor’s job,” or “I’ll leave that to someone else who has the gift of evangelism,” let me remind you... sharing the Good News is the job and most important ministry of every person who professes to follow Jesus Christ.

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

This was something Paul was adamant about when he told Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist” and fulfill his ministry. You see, although young Timothy was a pastor, it didn't necessarily mean that he was particularity gifted as an evangelist (as we all have different spiritual gifts) anymore than the majority of believers feel they are. But that didn’t excuse him (or us) from the charge of faithfully spreading the Good News at every opportunity. Furthermore, when we stop to consider that an evangelist is simply someone who shares the "good news" of the Gospel with the goal of converting the lost, we understand that the Great Commission is a direct command, and not merely a suggestion, for every believer.


So, “go and make disciples of all nations” my friend--starting in your own back yard. You don’t have to be a gifted speaker to do this either. Simply commit the Message to memory and then share it with passion, remembering that you were once lost until someone told you about Jesus. Be sober-minded (alert and clear-headed in all situations), endure hardship (be prepared to face and withstand opposition and suffering), and carry out your ministry (fully carry out the duties of your calling) to completion so that you might take hold of the Crown of Righteousness that awaits every believer who has remained faithful and longed for the return of Jesus Christ.


Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, while we all have different spiritual gifts, we are all called to evangelize. Help us to understand that being a gifted speaker is not a prerequisite for declaring that salvation is found in no one else but You Lord--only that we must be committed to knowing the Good News of the Gospel so we can share it. Help us to remember that ONLY those who choose to follow You will gain entry into Heaven so that we would be filled with a sense of urgency that would compel us to share our faith. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.


Happy Running!