When we let our work define us, we set ourselves up for great heartache and confusion. This is because changes will be coming into our lives that will shake us. Those of us in Christian ministry are some of the most vulnerable and unprepared.
We tend to get our identity from what we do, such as preaching or teaching, leading worship, counseling, running schools, leading organizations, conducting outreaches, doing evangelism, providing humanitarian services, et cetera.
On top of this we tend to believe that our current ministry, or ministry location, is our life-long calling or close to it--at least for a very long time. Rarely is this the case, however.
Three Important Distinctions
It will be helpful to distinguish between our identity, our calling and our assignment.
Identity. This is who you are as a person, who you are to God separate from what you do and when, where or how. Even moreso, it is who you are in Christ, because of Christ. We must rest in Him as His own. This is permanent, unchangeable and untouchable.
Colossians 3:3–4 ESV “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”Calling. This is what you do because God designed you this way and gave you gifts and passions to match. This calling travels with you wherever you go. It is your occupation in His service. This is semi-permanent, not likely to change wildly, but it will take on new developments throughout your life.
1 Corinthians 12:4–7 ESV “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”Assignment. This is where you serve as placed by God. You work in a specific location for a certain employer, playing a particular role, and probably holding some kind of title. Likely this will be temporary as God will bring about change through a variety of circumstances, people and opportunities. So, be ready to move and be ready to stay, simultaneously.
Luke 9:57–58 ESV “As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.””Keep them clear in your mind: who you are, what you do and where you serve. Even if you already knew this you can still get mixed-up and feel lost. By prayer, ask God to remind you of His truth when you feel overwhelmed. This is especially important when you feel like He is messing with you, your life and your ministry.
For A Better Present & Future
Differentiation leads to greater confidence in ministry because we have a stronger sense of our identity and a greater trust in God’s sovereign movements. It also leads to greater success in ministry because we see that it is less about us and more about God.
And it leads to a better future for everyone when the time comes for change because we know God rearranges things and we are ready to trust His wisdom. He is deploying and re-redeploying His people so that His Mission moves forward most powerfully.
When we are secure with who we are in Christ, as well as the skills, talents, and gifts He has given us, the less important the place. It also helps to remember that is is God's ministry, not mine.
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