Multiplicity in Ministry

2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear…”

This timely advice from Paul is the motto of many ministers. Even in spite of the growing unpopularity of Christianity in our culture, people still need to hear the good news; and this requires a multiplicity of ministers!

Paul described his work this way in 2 Corinthians 6:6-8, “We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors.”

While the task of ministry can be daunting, the job still needs to be done. This is, after all, what’s at the heart of the Great Commission, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Ministry was never intended to be done alone. While not everyone will fill the role of preacher, we each have a place in the body of Christ that contributes to ministry (Romans 12:4-8). In Jesus’ ministry, He called people to “Come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22; Matthew 4:19), a call that brought on plenty of challenges, as the apostles commented on (Matthew 19:27; Mark 10:28). Perhaps that’s why Jesus sent them out in pairs (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1) — for encouragement and support!

Paul wrote to Timothy and begged him, “Please come as soon as you can!” Why? Because he needed encouragement. 2 Timothy 4:11, “Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.” As we make efforts to reach out more boldly in our community, let’s never forget the power of multiplicity in ministry!