Where Are the Workers?

Why is the younger generation leaving the church? Where are the dedicated workers among those who remain in the church? Why aren't Christian young people attending Christian colleges? Why are young people pursuing secular careers rather than ministry? Why aren't there more new missionaries? Why aren't there enough available pastors to supply searching churches?

Such questions shouldn't focus only on young people. Why is church attendance so sporadic? Why do the majority attend only Sunday morning services? Why is there not enough giving to meet the church's needs? Why are Sunday school teachers so hard to find? Why do so many Christians look much like the world except on Sunday mornings?

In essence, where are the dedicated Christians? This is not limited to vocational ministry, because God does not call all Christians into those roles. God does, however, want all Christians to serve Him. The manifestation will be different for different people, but what it cannot look like is someone whose Christianity is limited to sitting in a pew one morning per week.

The following ponderings and contemplations explore several important factors in raising up Christian workers and inspiring mature Christians to grow in service.

First, dedicated service is primarily a heart issue. "Only be very careful ... to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Joshua 22:5). It is unlikely that anyone will give himself in service to God when that service does not flow out of a heart of love, gratitude, worship, and obedience. Service motivated by pride will be empty and often short-lived. People serve God when they love Him enough to deny themselves and submit to His leading. When one does love God, it is actually very difficult not to serve Him.

Second, it is difficult for anyone to serve God without a significant source of godly influence in his life. Paul often encouraged others to follow his example. "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1). Christian workers don't just happen; they must be purposefully molded and trained. "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (II Timothy 2:2). Parents are the absolute most important factor. God can use other people - pastors, teachers, coaches, relatives, friends - to encourage young people toward living for God, but when parents do not set the tone first, young people are at a serious disadvantage. Young people must be around people who are already serving God. They must observe people who obviously do love God. The most hopeful source for Christian workers is from families who are faithful and involved in their local churches and in other areas of ministry.

Third, those who will serve God must have exposure to avenues of service. Paul and Barnabas took John Mark along on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-13). That didn't succeed very well initially, but in the long term, it was a factor in John Mark's development as a Christian leader. Young people can't be drawn toward areas of service they don't know about, that they know very little about, or that they view only negatively. Both parents and churches have responsibility in this area. Parents should express obvious regard and respect for pastors. Missionaries should be frequent visitors in churches. Parents can invite visiting missionaries, evangelists, and other servants into their home. Parents can take their children on ministry outings, such as visiting neighbors or shut-ins. Churches can sponsor missions trips. Christians of all ages should read biographies about God's servants.

Fourth,  a strong and serious-minded church is important for developing Christian workers. The church is the entity through which God desires to work. Paul refers to "the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth" (I Timothy 3:15). God established leaders in the church "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service" (Ephesians 4:12). A pastor cannot do all the work and influencing alone, but he must guide the church by word and example. He must accurately and thoroughly preach God's truth through serious exposition and consistent challenge. His leadership must be supported by church members who desire the same goals and who regularly engage in edifying and spiritually-centered conversation with each other.

Fifth, the Bible is essential. Only the Bible is capable of "piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, ... able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is provided "so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:17). It is the Bible that convicts a man or woman toward service, and it is the Bible that prepares him or her to do that service. This influence cannot be limited just to church, but must occur personally on a regular basis. Beyond merely reading, Christians must carefully consider the words of God, pondering, seeking to understand, and responding. Extended study is critical in preparation for service.

Sixth, those who will serve God must be freed from hindering distractions. "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (II Timothy 2:4). Too many Christians live as if sports are extremely important, the weekend is two and a half days of unbroken entertainment, and summers are for maximum number of trips to the beach. Thoughts of God and spiritual things are squelched by certain friends, television, music, and other media that work in direct opposition to godliness.

There is no guaranteed method to ensure that any particular individual will serve God, either full-time or within the regular course of life. However, individuals can certainly take steps to encourage a heart for service, as can parents for their children.