The Unprofessional Ministry

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  Acts 2:47

 To me, Acts 2:42-47 is a picture of a group of laypeople who became saved, and then did what they could to build a ministry, which prospered.  Clearly, they listened to & studied the teachings of the apostles, but my take-away from this passage is that they took some initiative & took ownership of their young church.

I have to admit that in some ways, my being a licensed professional has kept me in bondage.  It’s made me territorial.  Laypeople shouldn’t be doing the type of work I do because they’re not “qualified”.  In other ways, my lack of a professional credential has made me passive.  There are things I want to see done in my church; but I haven’t done them because I’m waiting for my pastors to give me the green light.  I didn’t go to seminary – they did.  I was talking to one of my pastors who said, “Let’s start, because if you and I don’t do it, it won’t be done”.

There is a place for laypersons & professionals to work together.  I’m only a professional in 1 area of my life.  In most situations I’m a layperson.  I think the key, regardless of the situation, is to discern what I can and cannot do.  To figure out where I can be helpful, and where I can’t.  In some situations, people need empathy, and therefore a layperson who has walked in their shoes is more useful than a professional.  In some situations, a particular skill or expertise is required, and that’s when a professional should step in.