IN A WORLD where ministry is sometimes mistaken for a profession instead of a divine calling, it is important to be reminded of the true joy that comes from serving the Lord Jesus Christ. After 29 years in pastoral ministry, I can confidently say: there is no greater privilege, purpose, joy or peace than being a servant of Christ, fully surrendered and faithfully called.
The Foundation of Joyful Ministry
There are two essential foundations for anyone who wishes to serve Jesus Christ joyfully and effectively: First, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and second, a divine calling from God.
The first is salvation through Jesus Christ, as the Scripture mentions in Romans 10: 9-11 (NIV), “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Ministry begins with transformation. As Jesus explained to Nicodemus (John 3:3-5), no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born again, born of water and the Spirit.
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The second foundation is the call of God. Not all who desire to serve are called. Isaiah responded to God’s call in Isaiah 6:8: “Here am I. Send me!” Without this divine calling, the ministry becomes burdensome, lacking the fire and compassion needed to care for the lost, the poor, the sick, and the brokenhearted.
The Current Reality: A Wake-Up Call for the Church
In Northeast India and many other regions, pastoral ministry has sometimes drifted from its biblical roots. Many enter ministry because they grew up in the church or come from pastoral families, not because they heard the voice of the Lord. This has led to a shortage of passion for the lost souls and compassion for the needy. Sadly, some pastors have adopted the posture of the Pharisees, seeking recognition, comfort, and position, rather than humble service and cheerfully giving their time and energy. They prioritise facilities, vehicles, and social status over the spiritual well-being of the congregation. This is not the example Jesus gave us, nor the apostles. In Acts 4:31-35, we see a church filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaiming the Gospel, and caring deeply for one another. There were no needy persons among them.”
A Life of Faithful Provision
Throughout my pastoral journey, the Lord has faithfully rovided, often in miraculous ways. I recall 2011, when I could not afford my son’s school admission. My wife and I prayed, and though the initial opportunity didn’t come through, the Lord opened another door. My wife received a job at the same school (Mount Carmel School, Dwarka, Delhi), and today, both my son and my wife continue in that blessing in the same school. It was a divine arrangement, beyond what we asked for or imagined.
Ministry in Crisis
The COVID-19 Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was heartbroken to see many pastors unwilling to visit the sick or even conduct funerals. I could not remain at home while people were suffering and dying without hope. With my family’s blessing, I stepped out, transporting patients, arranging hospital beds, and even burying the dead when others would not. These were not burdens, but sacred opportunities to serve Christ in the least of these, and I thank Lord Jesus Christ for the opportunity he has given me to be His Ambassador.
Faith in Action
A Blood Donation Testimony: Over 23 years, I have donated blood 18 times. One of the most memorable moments was receiving a call from Delhi Police for Northeast (DPNER) about a critically ill five-month-old baby from Arunachal Pradesh who needed blood. I went to AIIMS and donated. Afterwards, I met the baby’s mother, who, upon learning I was a pastor, praised God with tears. She had prayed for a pastor to come and pray, not knowing that the pastor would also be the one to donate blood. The surgery was successful, and the child is now healthy and attending school joyfully. Seeing him on Facebook makes me give glory and honour to Lord Jesus Christ for his amazing work.
A Pastor’s Joy Comes from Serving
True joy in ministry does not come from money, recognition, or comfort. It comes from knowing Jesus, hearing His call, and serving with a willing, compassionate heart. It is rooted in faith, lived out in action, and confirmed by God’s provision and peace. As long as I live, I will continue to serve the Lord Jesus Christ joyfully, because I know whom I serve, and I know that He is faithful.
Reflection and Call to Action
Dear readers, whether you are a pastor, a church leader, or a believer seeking your purpose, take time to reflect:
• Have you truly been born again?
• Have you heard the call of God for your life?
• Are you serving joyfully, sacrificially, and faithfully?
Let us not be like the Pharisees who seek titles and attention, but like Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. Let us echo the heart of the old Thadou-Kuki hymn: “Mol le lhang sang jong le cheding kahi” (Even if the mountains and valleys are high, I will go). May we all respond with joy: “Here am I, Lord. Send me!”
(The author is Pastor, The Journey Church, New Delhi. He can be reached at letlal.haokip@gmail.com. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ukhrul Times. Ukhrul Times values and encourages diverse perspectives.)
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