Toongabbie Anglican Church Blog

Weekly Blurb

The privilege of ministry

Sunday 26 June, 2005 · Posted by Philip Bassett

On Thursday evening this week Margaret and I attended the induction of the Rev. Ian Wood as the new Senior Minister (we don�t seem to have Rectors any more) at Wentworthville. I was reminded once again of the very weighty responsibility that is given to us as we assume the leadership of a parish. It is always good for minister�s to attend other�s inductions and ordinations and to get a reality check on their own ministries.

Bp Ivan Lee preached on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 and in particular verse 20 �We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.� Ivan reminded us that of course these words weren�t spoken to ministers being inducted into a new parish, but to ordinary Christians serving Christ in the context of their church in Corinth.

Have you ever stopped to think of the extraordinary privilege you have of being called by God to �make his appeal� through you. Being a Christian is not just a matter of receiving forgiveness for your own sins and ensuring your own future with God in heaven. God calls each one of us to be his instrument in making his appeal.

People become Christians because God uses us Christians to influence those around us. It may be in the formal relationship of minister to congregation but far more significantly it is by personal witness, within the family, amongst our friends, with our workmates. Most people become Christians through the influence of people close to them. What a wonderful privilege!

Post this to: Facebook · del.icio.us · google · · email
(suggest another share link)