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Every Believer is a Minister: Lessons from Cornelius

Every one of us is a minister. You might not be called to stand behind a pulpit, but everyone is called to ministry. The pastor's job is to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry, not to do everything themselves.

One of the greatest examples of this truth is found in Acts 10 with Cornelius and his household. Though he wasn't officially called a minister, the Holy Spirit used him powerfully. Cornelius was a Roman centurion of Italian descent who responded to God in ways that made him "meet for the Master's use." God saw something in him that could be used for His purposes.

What is our first ministry as believers?

Our first and highest calling is to minister to the Lord. Before we serve others, we must serve Him. Cornelius gives us a great example of this priority. Acts 10:2 describes him as "a devout man who prayed to God always."

True ministry begins not in the spotlight but in the secret place where we minister to the Lord. This happens through:

 

  • Daily devotions
  • Getting into fellowship with God
  • Reading Scripture
  • Waiting on Him to speak to our hearts

 

We were created first for His presence, not performance. Before we go for God, we must sit with Him. This isn't about religion but relationship - there should be something in our hearts that desires fellowship with Him.

How does ministering to the Lord bring breakthrough?

In Acts 13:2, we see that "as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said..." Much of our breakthrough is waiting on our ministry to the Lord. He wants to speak and give us revelation, but He's waiting for us to minister to Him first.

Divine orders can be sent out as we minister to the Lord. The Holy Spirit may be waiting to say something to us, but He's waiting for us to minister to Him first. This is part of loving the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

We cannot rightly export to our world what we do not have imported within our hearts by the Lord. He desires to import things into us so we can export them to our world.

How do we minister to those closest to us?

The second ministry we're called to is ministering to our family and those closest to us. Your greatest sermon may never be preached from a pulpit but lived out in front of your family and those you are closest to.

When we're with family, they don't need our anointing to preach - they need the fruit and character of the Spirit:

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Faithfulness
  • Gentleness
  • Self-control

 

Every day we wake up to a mission field, and it often starts with those closest to us. In Acts 10:24, we see that "Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends." He was ministering to his own household and those closest to him.

Ministry doesn't start on a stage or in public - it starts when we wake up. Acts 1:8 tells us we'll be witnesses first in Jerusalem, which represents our own households and those closest to us. Before God sends you across the world, He often starts across the table.

How does giving become a form of ministry?

We're also called to minister through our giving. In Acts 10:2, it says Cornelius "gave generously to those in need." Giving to the Lord is not just charity - it's ministry.

When we give, we're not losing something; we're releasing something to God to use. Second Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that "God loves a cheerful giver." When we give, we partner with God in what He's doing on earth.

Philippians 4:17 shows us that each of us has a spiritual bank account: "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account." God is looking for us to be faithful with what we have.

There's a difference between blessings and miracles. While God does provide miracles, He wants us to live in His blessing so we can be a blessing for someone else's miracle.

How do we minister through our church?

The church is both a family to grow with and a force to go with. In Acts 10:33, Cornelius gathered his family together to hear what Peter had to say from the Lord.

The church is God's delivery system of hope to a broken world. It's not a building to go to but a family to belong to and serve. Romans 12:4-5 reminds us that we are many members in one body, each with different functions.

Everyone has different parts to play - from the serve team to the sound engineers. When you help set up for church, you're setting the stage for God to minister, just like Cornelius did.

How do we minister to those we meet or work with?

The Great Commission travels with you - to the office, the grocery store, job sites, conversations, food lines, and break rooms. Our mission is mobile. Our job is our mission field, and our kindness is our sermon.

Colossians 4:6 encourages us to "let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." For some people, the only Jesus they'll ever meet is the Jesus in you.

Every encounter is an eternal opportunity. Every interaction is a chance to reflect Jesus. We're created and reborn to image Him and reflect Him to others.

Matthew 5:16 reminds us to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Life Application

This week, consider how you can embrace your identity as a minister in these five areas:

 

  • Prioritize ministering to the Lord - Set aside time each morning to connect with God before doing anything else. How might your day change if you start by ministering to Him?

 

  • Be intentional with those closest to you - How can you demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit to your family or roommates this week? What one character trait could you focus on developing?

 

  • Examine your giving - Is your giving cheerful and generous? Ask God if there's an area where He's calling you to be more generous.

 

  • Serve your church family - What unique gifts or abilities do you have that could benefit the body of Christ? How can you be more involved in serving?

 

  • Be alert to divine appointments - Ask God to help you recognize opportunities to minister to people you encounter throughout your week. How might your everyday interactions become ministry moments?

Remember: You don't need a platform or title to be a minister. Like Cornelius, your faithful service in these areas can position you to be used powerfully by God.