“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples…”(Matthew 28:18-19a NASB)
Making disciples is not reserved for those who make God’s word known as they stand straight to speak in that sacred section of the sanctuary called the pulpit. Making disciples is not restricted to the experiences and interactions between the saved and the unsaved within the structure of our buildings that we call churches. Making disciples is not only performed by the men and women who minister from the raised platforms in mega or mini houses of worship.
Let me share something with you. Recently I have mentioned my two oldest sons who are licensed in the ministry and are engaged in the formal teaching and preaching of the gospel. What I have failed to do is mention something significant and special about my oldest daughter who was licensed to preach the gospel many years ago. It has become apparent to me, while she possesses excellent speaking and communication skills and projects her faith in every conversation regardless of the setting and whether or not there is any asking. She gives an excellent example of ministering beyond the pulpit.
While I’m sure that I cannot name all the types of people she has helped and encouraged with a word of truth, I know that her “pew” is the world and she has ministered to persons from all walks of life: gospel artists, world-wide celebrities, business entrepreneurs, major radio personalities and those who labor behind the scenes in high administrative positions in the media industry. She had used her gifts to touch the lives of aspiring authors, stars of syndicated TV shows, pastors and teachers, as well as those disgruntled, disappointed, and depressed. She has ministered to children, youth, and adults. Some community activists have stayed in their respective battlefields because of the motivation she freely provided them. Always busy, she has ministered in faith to people that she has encountered by chance, close associates, family and friends. She actually earned the nickname of “Faith” as an adult, putting childhood nicknames aside. There has never been a conversation over several years where the words coming out of her mouth fail to include such sayings like, “Praise God,” Thank you Jesus,” and references to the precious, redeeming blood of Jesus. She is an excellent example to those of you who are not preaching to the choir, taking a text in the crowded sanctuary, or teaching the formal classrooms within the church. A look at her life shows us how to make disciples by making the world our pew.
We need to be reminded every once and awhile that the Great Commission is for all believers; all who claim to be His disciples. You see, His disciples are His witnesses. Go out and be active in your pew this week and deliver some words of encouragement, motivation, edification, and inspiration. Get going today, in person or via your virtual presence and continue to strive to do better, progressively better, doing what you can do to minister to your pew and consequently make disciples for Jesus. Don’t worry. I will remind you again about making disciples. I’m going to take the Apostle Peter’s state of mind as revealed in our closing verse. Have a great day! This is not the last time you will hear from me regarding ministering and making disciples in your pew; the world around you. Smile! Be blessed!
“I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder.” (2 Peter 1:13 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
The world is our pew: how real this is and how serious this charge is for each of us. I stopped to think how our sons and our daughter have used their gifted skills to support others who were in a time of need. It seems so simple to help others but it is not as easy as it seems. There are many barriers that can keep us from sharing the good news. However, there is a way to do this where it could feel so natural; to share our experiences or stories that encourage others to see a glimmer of light. I thought what have I done to be active in my pew…I have been a witness to others through encouragement, motivation, edification, and inspiration. I have helped individuals build their confidence in themselves, stay the course within their dream to succeed, and even financially provide support to get them through a difficult time. I am using the world as my pew. Thank you Pastor for sharing this story and reminding us how our children are using the world as their pew as well.