Am I just a layperson?
While reminiscing recently about various shared faith adventures, my wife Mary reminded me of the time many years ago when she was having a similar conversation with a pastor. At one point, he said something along the lines of “Wow, you’re pretty enthusiastic for a layperson!” He meant it as a compliment about her passion for following Jesus. However, and though not intended, the layperson reference carries a strong connotation of spiritual hierarchy.
Simply put, some see the church as divided between those ordained for ministry and everyone else.
Simply put, some see the church as divided between those ordained for ministry and everyone else. In fact, one dictionary definition of layperson is “a non ordained member of a church.” Another is “a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject.” As a result, some believers think they lack adequate knowledge to share their faith.
In fact, the division of church members between clergy and laity is not found in the New Testament. Rather, it was invented subsequently by the organized church and today is present explicitly or implicitly in many local churches. Without belaboring the historical use of this terminology, it clearly has affected how many believers perceive their spiritual role and ability to credibly represent Jesus to those around them.
Regarding our professional lives, the “layperson paradigm” can significantly dilute the effectiveness of our workplace calling. From the preface to “More Than Your Business Card”:
“As a Christian leader, have you ever wondered if the rich and satisfying life promised by Jesus applies in your work life as well as in your personal and spiritual life? Have you tried to square certain aspects of business, such as profit-seeking and the drive for productivity, with Jesus’ commands, or have you avoided sharing the good news of Jesus Christ because of potential negative repercussions?”
“Since surrendering my life to Jesus in my mid-thirties, I have met many fellow senior executives, entrepreneurs, and other leaders who have harbored similar questions. Performing at a high level, they are generally regarded as successful individuals within the culture and are committed to honoring God in their work environment. However, they don’t think of their role in business as a calling from God; rather, they treat their professional career as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.”
“For example, many see the primary spiritual purpose of their involvement in business as a means by which to financially support the church, both locally and globally. And it doesn’t help that some pastors encourage this perspective! This thinking has led many business leaders to undervalue the spiritual importance of their “day job,” ascribing more value to things like short-term mission trips with their local church.”
“Many Christian leaders leave God at home when they go to the office, partnering with Him only when at church or when engaged in other (seemingly) more spiritual endeavors. But what if God’s call on your life is in marketplace leadership?”
The truth is that you are not a layperson when it comes to sharing your faith. Indeed, and without any disrespect to those called to vocational ministry, you are likely more effective in reaching your professional peers than they would be. First, your credibility as a leader following Jesus makes Him relevant to them. Second, the indwelling Holy Spirit has anointed you to bear witness to what Jesus has done in your life.
In short, you are ordained and equipped to boldly and unapologetically share your faith today! (Ephesians 4:1)
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
