We are ALL Ministers (but some are better than others)

I grew up the son of a Pastor of a small church in Buffalo Cove, NC. He has actually been the Pastor, there with the exception of one year, since 1970. With that as my background I can say this: I have been exposed to a lot of preaching in my days. I have also been exposed to a lot of preaching styles. Some shout until they are hoarse; some spit and strut around; some band the pulpit while they preach the fire down. Some are very quiet; others teach while they preach.
This blog is not to declare that I prefer one style over the other. I do; however, I am not going to say which style. Last year my Pastor, Steven Furtick, brought something up that really changed my way of thinking about the role of the preacher, and it is absolutely true: we are ALL ministers of the gospel. Really, we are supposed to be the hands and feet of the Church. Think about it: do the people around us see our pastor when we are at work? No, they see us. If they do not open the Bible at home, what do they know about Christ other than what we represent? What do they know about the Word of the Living God other than what we present in our words and actions? How many more rhetorical questions can I ask?
Think back to what Francis of Assisi is attributed with saying: "Preach the Gospel at all times- if necessary, use words."
More importantly, think about what Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19-20: "'Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.' Amen."
He didn't give that command to a select few that preach one to two days a week, visit people in hospitals, officiate funerals and weddings, and eat lots of fried chicken. He gave that to all that follow Him. In other words, we are the Church, and we are ministers. The role of the Pastor is to empower the people to do the ministry of the Church, and only then is it stronger and does it grow.
Caveat: That pastor needs to be rooted firmly in the Word of God, and lead the people to root their lives firmly in that Word. Think of 2 Timothy 2:15: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
 That's what Jeremiah dealt with in Jeremiah 23. False prophets were telling Israel everything was okay, God would deliver them, there will be peace and prosperity. They were led into idolatry, allowing the people to live in any method they deisred, and promising them God's blessings regardless. In that, God had enough with that, and He was telling the people the destruction and exile that awaited them. God was only speaking to one man, and no one wanted to hear it.
So yes, we are all ministers. However, for those that are called above that to be a Pastor, I salute you. I salute you and I warn you. God has given you the words you need to instruct and empower your Church to do the ministry. Don't tell us what we want to hear; tell us what we need. Tell us what "Thus says the LORD." The Church will be stronger, and men will be drawn to Christ.

Wear what the pros wear

The phrase used in the title of this blog has been used by sporting goods stores over the years, as well as New Era cap company. Last week in church, our pastor talked about the strange need to wear jerseys of football players, basketball players, etc. I will admit that I have taken part in this as well, although I do not anymore (primarily because I can't afford them, although there are other reasons). Simply put: we like to emulate people we admire.
Take it another level: I work for the nation's #2 home improvement company. In our stores employees wear vests to indicate they work there and that they are in a position to assist customers with any questions they have. In the call center where I work, sometimes more experienced employees will wear these vests and roam the floor to assist with any questions that people on the phones may have. They are the authority, and have the answers to the questions that are faced.
So where am I going with this? Follow me as I get off the rabbit trail.
Most believers are familiar with the passage in Ephesians 6 in regards to the armor of God, and many could quote the different parts of the armor. You know- belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. I'll bet you weren't aware of this passage from Isaiah 59:15-17:
"Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.

He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.

He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak."

It is a passage talking about the judgment of God , and look at what He is wearing. Just exactly what Paul instructed Christians to wear. This is generally a verse believed to prophecy the coming of Christ to the earth, but it also displays that He is our example, a thought perpetuated in scripture several times. Of course Paul was a Pharisee, and has to know Isaiah forwards and backwards. He was familiar with this message, as was Jesus himself, who quoted Isaiah 61 when he started His ministry. After all, He was the inspiration for the scripture (2 Tim. 3:16, John 1:14).

Long story short: the Armor of God is not just a metaphor given by Paul to illustrate how Christians should live their life; it is the "jersey" worn by Christ himself.  He is the authority, and I would love to be seen with one of His jerseys.