Coworkers in ministry
by Peter Bean
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Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my coworkers in the ministry of Christ Jesus (Romans 16:3).
Read Romans 16:1–16
What a powerful chapter Romans 16 is. What, at first, might seem like a boring list of names actually details the workings of the early church across the Roman Empire. (Many of the towns referenced throughout the New Testament epistles can still be found on a map today, especially in what is now modern-day Türkiye.)
Some of these people had been expelled from Rome; others travelled to and from the area. All were involved in the early Christian community in one way or another. When you read the descriptions, you will read about deacons, coworkers, believers and the Lord’s people. You will notice women and men, married couples and single people. You will hear Greek names, Roman names, Jewish names and Gentile names. All working together in the ministry of Jesus Christ! Thank you, Lord.
Here is a challenge: How about you write your version of Romans 16? Give thanks for all those you know are involved, working together in the ministry of Jesus Christ. This might be people from your congregation. It may include people from the wider community who serve in various ways, even from other churches or service groups.
Make a list! But don’t just make a list. Describe what they do that nourishes, encourages, allows the organisation to operate, challenges others or shares the good news in so many ways. And then, share it with them (like Paul did). Or perhaps read it out during the announcements at church! And pray for each of these people, giving thanks, today or daily, until you have mentioned them all (or perhaps you could include it as part of the prayer time at church one Sunday).
What a powerful document that would be; what a powerful action for you to take. Giving thanks for all those involved in ministry together.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for my (our) coworkers in ministry, whatever form that takes. May they know they are appreciated. Bless their actions, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Spring has sprung. Flowers are displaying their colours; fruit is forming on the trees. There is new growth everywhere. Peter prays that as you observe this wonderful new life, may you revel in the new beginnings God offers you each day. As Peter continues to meander his way through the psalms, he invites you to read them anew, applying them to your lives. If you would like his paraphrase of any psalm (from 1 to 91), send your request to pbean087@gmail.com
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