• Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Our Team
    • Wall of Support
    • Affiliates
  • Resources
  • Join our team
    • Open Positions
    • Write For Us
  • Subscribe
  • Donate
  • Store
  • Contact
  • Login
Joshua's Outpost
Support Us
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
JO
Support Us
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
Joshua's Outpost
No Result
View All Result

Taking Up a Mantle

Mitchell Friestad by Mitchell Friestad
November 13, 2019
in Faith
Reading Time: 3min read
1
Taking Up a Mantle

Over the last three years, I have been studying at a Bible college in order to, upon graduation, go into ministry of some sort. Over the last two years, I have really been questioning my calling into ministry and whether or not working in a church is what is best for me.

Yesterday, I graduated from Bible college. And I have never been more convicted that I am not supposed to work in a church, at least not right now.

It seems to me that God has really been communicating to me that the church belongs to Jesus. And Jesus gave up his life for the members of churches, not just the paid staff.

There’s a level of ownership that we, as men, need to assume for our congregation. We cannot simply bank on paid staff doing the entire ministry.

Ed Stetzer, an author, speaker, and pastor, spoke at my graduation. He addressed our class saying that as Bible college graduates, we may often find ourselves in positions where people come to us when they need something in ministry. He warned us, “Don’t take on what God has called someone else to do.”

Taking up a mantle

I think that this is a real dilemma in churches that I have interacted with. That is why I am not currently going into ministry. I am currently looking for jobs in which I still interact with people, but not necessarily in the church. I want to empower lay people by being an empowered layperson.

If you are a church member, I want to encourage you. The same Holy Spirit that empowers a preacher, or that really Godly couple everyone in your church looks up to, or that children’s ministry director that you don’t know how she does all that she does. That Holy Spirit dwells in you too.

You have been given the gift of God’s grace that is new every day. No matter what you attempt to do, God’s grace is going with you.

Click To Tweet

You have been given the gift of God’s grace that is new every day. No matter what you attempt to do, God’s grace is going with you. He’s not asking you to do ministry perfectly. He’s asking you to put yourself out there and let his grace go to work.

So take up a mantle.

Faith in Action

Maybe you want to help out with the youth group at your church. Maybe you want to lead a small group. Maybe you want to take a younger guy under your wing and disciple him once a week. Maybe you don’t know what you want to do. Do something!

The only way that we are able to see God’s grace is when we activate our faith.

Click To Tweet

The only way that we are able to see God’s grace is when we activate our faith. Maybe you are thinking “I can’t do this.” “I’m not capable.” “I’m not trained.” “I’ll do more harm than good.” Those are lies from Satan himself. If you have the Holy Spirit, and you understand the good news that Jesus has offered to us, all you have to do is make yourself available.

Take a step. See what God does. It may not be easy. It may not be what you expect. But one thing it will be is good. God is faithful to give grace to those who trust in him. So whatever you’re thinking about. Give it a shot. Pick up a mantle. Run with the gospel.

Join our mailing list and get a FREE Devotional plus 5% off on our Online Shop
We respect your privacy. No Spam Emails!

Mitchell Friestad

Mitch graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, where he studied Evangelism and Discipleship with an emphasis in Intercultural Ministries. He blogs at his own website about how the Gospel impacts the way we ought our lives. He was a Golden State Warriors fan before it was cool and is considered a semi-professional Kan Jam player in his hometown.

www.mitchellfriestad.com
Like what we do? Take a second to support us on Patreon!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...
Tags: callingGodGospelHoly SpiritMinistry
Previous Post

The Words We Speak

Next Post

5 Things NOT to Say to a Depressed Christian

Next Post
5 Things NOT to Say to a Depressed Christian

5 Things NOT to Say to a Depressed Christian

Comments 1

  1. james keegan says:
    2 years ago

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

    9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    Loading...
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Follow Us on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 103 other subscribers

The Frontline Podcast

  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
  • Join our team
  • Subscribe
  • Donate
  • Store
  • Contact

© 2021 Joshua's Outpost. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Write For Us
  • Store
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Subscribe

© 2021 Joshua's Outpost. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
%d bloggers like this: