No one builds the church alone.
Cameron and I often encounter young people with only one goal: to move into full-time ministry. And though that it is a very admirable desire which testifies to their faith in God and their willingness to further His kingdom, it’s not an ambition we usually encourage.
Too many people believe that the best, or even the only, way to serve God is through full-time ministry. But that’s not true. Even Paul, possibly the greatest apostle, had a job. He was a tent maker.
In Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla. They share the same profession—tentmakers—and work together. Paul’s ministry is not separated from daily life. Work and mission intertwine (Acts 18).
Resistance in the synagogue grows, but so does the number of new believers. Even Crispus, a leader of the synagogue, comes to faith. God encourages Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid, [...] I am with you.” (Acts 18:9-10).
That promise is crucial. God's presence is the basis for perseverance.
Later, we see how Priscilla and Aquila teach Apollos. He speaks fervently but does not yet fully know the gospel. Instead of correcting him publicly, they take him aside and explain the way of God to him more accurately.
Acts 18 shows that God's Kingdom is teamwork. Apostles, entrepreneurs, teachers, new believers—everyone plays a role.
No one builds the church alone.
Perhaps we underestimate our place in the whole. But God's work grows through people who faithfully work together, complement each other, and sharpen one another.
Does your work excite you? Or does your job feel meaningless and just a means to make money?
If so, you can pray this prayer:
“Help me, God, to persevere and remain faithful, even when (mission) work feels invisible and ordinary. Help me to see Your calling in the everyday.”
