Embrace Your Calling: Living Out the Heart of Ministry in Everyday Life

Why We Do What We Do?

Imagine having the cure for a life-threatening disease but keeping it to yourself. It sounds absurd, right? Yet, many of us do something similar with our faith. We attend church, absorb the teachings, and then go about our lives without sharing the transformative power of the Gospel. This was a central theme in a recent sermon by our own Pastors Dr. Braxton and Chalis Henderson during their visit to the Bible Center Church in Homewood Pittsburgh. Our pastors explored the heart of ministry and its impact in and around our communities and beyond.

The Heart of Ministry: More Than Just Tradition

The sermon began with a personal journey of faith, highlighting the importance of aligning our lives with the teachings we receive. Growing up in a traditional church setting, it was easy to fall into the routine of attending services without letting the message penetrate our daily lives. But we are reminded that the church's role is not just to fill our Sundays but to equip us for a life of purpose. Specifically, our kingdom purpose, our role in fulfilling God's plan here on earth.

The church is called to fulfill essential functions: worship, evangelism, edification, fellowship, and social concern. These are not just activities to keep us busy; they are the core of a spiritually healthy church. As Matthew 28:18-20 instructs, we are to make disciples, baptize, and teach. This is the Great Commission, and ought to be the heartbeat of any purpose driven ministry.

Living Out the Great Commission

In Acts 2:42, we see the early church devoted to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. They were united, sharing everything they had, and as a result, their numbers grew daily. This unity and shared purpose must be the focus of the church today. Our communities need more than a congregation to visit; we need the church, the body of Christ, to a community on a mission.

Our ministry extends beyond the walls of the church. We must be actively involved in our community, addressing social concerns and seeking justice for the oppressed. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, the Lord requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. This means being the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to those in need, and making a tangible difference in their lives.

If you are a member of a ministry, you are challenged to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The way it looks for you or members of Oasis of Hope Ministries and Bible Center Church might or will be different. We each have to know and fulfill our calling in living out the great commission.

Embrace Your Calling

Truth be told, many of us need some guidance identifying and understanding that calling.  Here are some practical steps to embrace YOUR calling

1. Pray for Guidance: Ask God to reveal your unique calling and how you can contribute to His kingdom. Be open to His leading and ready to step out in faith. It makes sense to do this first.

2. Engage in Worship and Fellowship: Make worship a lifestyle, not just a Sunday activity. Join a small group or ministry team to build relationships and grow in your faith.

3. Share Your Faith: Look for opportunities to share the Gospel in your everyday interactions. Whether it's a conversation with a coworker or a kind gesture to a neighbor, let your light shine.

4. Serve Your Community: Get involved in local outreach programs. Whether it's volunteering at a food pantry or mentoring a young person, your actions can have a lasting impact.

Become Action Oriented 

As we reflect on this teaching, let's commit to living out our faith with purpose. The world is watching, and they need to see that our beliefs are more than just words. Let's be a church that not only talks about love and justice but actively demonstrates it by reaching out to those in need.

Prayer for guidance to live your true purpose

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be part of Your mission. Help us to live out our faith with boldness and compassion. Guide us as we seek to make a difference in our community and beyond. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

By embracing our calling and living out the heart of ministry, we can transform our communities and fulfill the Great Commission. Let's take these steps together and watch how God moves in and through us.

Be sure to check out the full sermon here!