Sphere of Ministry

In my coaching class, we recently focused on the sphere of ministry. Taken from the writings of Paul in 2 Corinthians 10, the sphere of ministry describes a pathway to purpose. This pathway includes what we do in life and the boundaries which define that direction. As Paul writes, “God who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your resources for sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness…” (2 Cor. 10:10, Amplified).
   Our gifts, abilities and experiences provide the boundaries which determine where and how we do ministry. Since we each have unique giftings, that also means we have a specific place and purpose that God has designed for us. Before the foundation of the world, he planned it out and wove all the details together.

   Paul sewed tents, then became a bivocational missionary and church planter. Peter caught fish, then God moved him into leadership with the Jerusalem church. Lydia bought and sold purple fabric while she opened her home to the emerging church in Philippi. Throughout Scripture, we see how God moved people to particular places where they could best use their gifts to serve him.
   As a writer, I type words into my laptop and hope that somehow God will use them to minister to others. Just as other Christian writers have influenced me with their words, so I hope to do the same. Writers such as Catherine Marshall, Elisabeth Elliot and John Piper helped to forge some of my early beliefs. Dallas Willard, Richard Foster and whoever scripted the book of Hebrews taught me about the practical side of faith. Jodi Piccoult, Anne Lamott and Nicholas Sparks showed me how to craft a novel.
   I learn from other writers, then use the writing craft to expand my sphere of ministry. As I follow the examples of others, God uses my gifts to multiply the effects of his message.
   Not until eternity will we fully know how many readers we have influenced. I like to get up every day, praise God for the unique colors of another sunrise and dedicate myself to influence someone during the next 24 hours. Then daily, my sphere of ministry continues with significance and joy.
    What about you? What is your sphere of ministry?
____________________________________________________________________________

RJ Thesman has been a writer since she flipped open her Red Chief tablet and scribbled her first story. Eventually, she attended college where she earned an education degree and taught at various levels, including short-term missions in Honduras. Her book, The Unraveling of Reverend G was recently released by CrossRiver. Thesman is a Biblical Counselor and a Stephen Minister. She has worked as a communications professional in a variety of nonprofits and has served as campus minister to international students. Thesman enjoys teaching writing workshops and helps beginning writers birth their words. She is the mother of an adult son and enjoys reading, gardening and cooking – especially anything with blueberries. Thesman lives in the heartland of Kansas with her son and an elderly cat. You can find her online at rjthesman.net or on Facebook at facebook.com/RJThesman.