“I used to have several Bible studies going each week when I was just a lay person, but now I hardly ever have a Bible study,” he stated. “I became a pastor because I wanted to be more involved in ministry, but the truth is, I was more involved in ministry as a simple layman.”

As he explained his situation to me, a light went on in my mind. You see, when he was a layman, he worked among people every day at a regular job. They could see his life as he rubbed shoulders with his fellow workers. Trust was built, and he posed no threat to them. Bible studies followed as a natural cause and effect of his desire to minister.

When he became a pastor, the people he met would ask, “What do you do?” And he would answer, somewhat quietly, “I am a pastor.” Most people would become noticeably nervous, quiet, and soon find some excuse to be on their way! After all, most everyday people in our society, when they meet a pastor, mentally stereotype what pastors do—and that is, PREACH AT PEOPLE. And with few exceptions, people simply don’t want to be preached at!

Yes, the laymen have the advantage. They can mix among people as pastors in disguise. We must realize that we, who have taken the name of Christ, ARE MINISTERS of the Gospel (see 1 Peter 2:9; John 15:16; 2 Cor. 5:17, 18). May God use you as you minister to others!