And I can assure you that I’m not… unless you consider writing and storytelling to fall under that category.
I’m no preacher, pastor, minister, first lady in training, or an obnoxious and insecure Christian who thinks a title will boost my confidence or make me important. I have no aspirations to be in any of those roles.
I’m a writer and storyteller who just happens to be a Christian. Just thought I’d clear that up before we move on – 😊.
However, different people I know and others I’ve encountered who are studying to be in church leadership and ministry roles or vying to be a pastor, minister, bishop, first lady, prophet, or any other kind of title that they think will make them important, will likely be in for a rude awakening when the titles and roles they’re chasing don’t manifest in their lives or successfully take off in the ways they’ve hoped for.
Because many of these individuals are not called or equipped to be in ministry.
I know this because sadly I’ve seen some of their hearts. And I’ve discerned their spirits and have observed the ways they’ve mistreated others. They know the word but lack anointing. They quote scripture but curse people out. They claim to love Jesus but then spew and post hateful, sexist, prejudice, and racist things online and in-person. They take advantage of people and their resources (especially when it comes to money.) And they get into high positions and then mishandle people they don’t think they’ll need later. And none of this is okay. But I believe change is going to come. Because I believe God chooses people He can trust.
A title will never make someone something they are not. There are plenty of leaders, especially in different churches, who are licensed, or attended some quality schools to be in their positions, or were ordained by other leaders, but that doesn’t mean they’re the man or woman for the job. 1 Samuel 16:7 reads, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Is it possible we’ve been choosing the wrong people? Who God chooses can be trusted. I know exceptional Christian leaders who either can’t see their own potential, recognize they are leaders and some who don’t want anything to do with any of the titles I mentioned at the start of this post. And I don’t blame them. But if you believe you are God’s choice, I encourage you to explore where your ministry may be. Pray about it. Ministry can take lots of different forms outside the traditional arena of a pulpit on a Sunday. If you believe God has chosen you to minister or lead in different areas of your life, understand it’s because He trusts you. He trusts that you’ll treat people right. That you will be a man or woman of good character; one who possesses authenticity and integrity and won’t use your power or influence to belittle others or get even with those who have done you wrong.
Are you someone who can be trusted?