Not Just the Pastor's Job

It’s not just the pastors’ job!



Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As a member of the body of Christ, we have heard teachings about the above verse, which is believed to be our Great Commission and assignment. For the Great Commission to be achieved, the gospel message must be shared.

Preach the gospel? That is the pastor’s job, right? The Great Commission calls for all believers to reach the lost with the good news.

BUT as always, there are several reasons given for why people don't share the gospel or witness about Jesus Christ. There’s fear of rejection: when someone rejects the message we are sharing about Jesus, we feel like they are rejecting us personally. Some will claim they don’t know what to say. The excuse is often we do not feel equipped and are not clear on exactly what we should say to persuade people to believe in Jesus. And then there’s those who believe it's solely the pastor’s job. We might be comfortable inviting people to the church, but we believe it’s just the pastor’s job to share the gospel with them when they get there.

Have any of the above been the reason you haven't shared your faith with others? Again, the Great Commission Jesus gives in Matthew 28:18-20 is to all Christian believers. We are not called to simply invite people to church; we are called to be witnesses for Christ to lead others to Him. You do not have to make a special presentation or stand on the street corner with your Bible and horn. Pray and look for opportunities as you go through your normal day with people you may already know. Just make it a conversation. Pray to God and ask for His direction as you engage in every activity you do.

Your witness for Christ begins with your actions instead of your words. The spiritual truths that you have learned from the Bible are to be lived out in front of your neighbors, co-workers, family members, and others including strangers. Our faith walk with God ought to be reflective of His image and His personality. Show up with genuine love even for those who do not show love to you (Luke 6:35). On your job, do your work the best you can as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). In your relationships, treat people the way you want to be treated (Luke 6:31).

Then tell them the difference Christ has made in your life, tell them what Jesus did to save each and every one of us, and THEN ask them to join you at church.

Reaching the lost for Christ is not only the pastor’s job, but it is every believer's job. Witnessing for Christ is part of what we signed up for, and we have what we need to complete the assignment. All believers have a responsibility to share their faith with the lost so they can find salvation in Jesus.

Blessings to you all AND to those you minister to!