The Selfless Self: Give God Your “____Ever”Sample

Two Sides of the Same Coin

Imagine a coin with two different yet equally important sides. On one side, we have “vocation as ministry,” and on the other, “ministry as vocation.” Both concepts are true and valuable parts of our life as believers.

First, let’s understand what “vocation as ministry” means. It’s the idea that whatever your job is—be it a doctor, engineer, teacher, or carpenter—you can use it as a platform for serving others and reflecting God’s love. In our unique vocations, everyone can contribute positively to the world. This is indeed one way we can serve God.

However, there’s another perspective: “ministry as vocation.” This is when ministry becomes your main job or occupation. It’s a path I personally have taken, devoting my life to serving God and people through full-time ministry. Interestingly, in recent times, there has been a greater emphasis on “vocation as ministry,” so much so that the significance of “ministry as vocation” seems to have dimmed. This is evident in the declining numbers of seminary students over the past few years. It’s becoming harder to find individuals who are willing to commit to full-time ministry work.

So, while it’s vital to recognize that our jobs can be a form of ministry, I also urge you to consider the possibility of serving God through full-time ministry. This path is not for everyone, but it’s worth exploring if you feel a divine nudge in this direction. Consider the vast difference in resources between places like Zambia and Alabama. Despite having a much larger population, Zambia has far fewer doctors and pastors. Could God be calling you to serve in a place like this?

To bring these concepts to life, think of two examples. The first was a high-ranking corporate employee who, in her interactions with her colleagues, used her position to show empathy and share her faith. This is “vocation as ministry.” Then there’s a couple who serves in Ukraine, providing shelter and comfort to hundreds of war-affected people over the years. That’s an example of “ministry as vocation.”

No matter your path, remember the call to serve and share God’s love, a directive often referred to as the Great Commission. Whether you feel led to serve God through your existing job or through full-time ministry, it’s all about following His lead, about being driven by a passion for sharing His love. These two perspectives—vocation as ministry and ministry as vocation—are the two sides of the coin we must bear in mind.