Current world conditions tell us that time left on Earth is short, as the signs of the times are being fulfilled. Even the secular world wonders what will happen next. Yet, so much remains to be done to spread the Gospel around the globe.
An unusual opportunity lies before the Church. Through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, lay business owners, professionals, and ministries can work together with pastors and administrators of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to spread the Gospel to customers, clients, neighbors, tribes, nations, and peoples. Imagine what could be achieved if every Adventist lay professional was 100 percent focused on helping to accomplish the mission of the Church. The work could soon be finished and Jesus could come.
The principle of laymen and pastors working together is repeatedly emphasized by Ellen White in her counsels to the Church: “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers,” Gospel Workers, page 352. “Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields,” Australian The Signs of the Times, August 3, 1903. “It is not the Lord’s purpose that ministers should be left to do the greatest part of the work of sowing the seeds of truth. Men who are not called to the ministry are to be encouraged to labor for the Master according to their several ability. Hundreds of men and women now idle could do acceptable service. By carrying the truth into the homes of their friends and neighbors, they could do a great work for the Master,” Testimonies for the Church, 7:21.
Ellen White continues: “The world will be convinced, not by what the pulpit teaches, but by what the church lives. The minister in the desk announces the theory of the gospel; the practical piety of the church demonstrates its power,” Testimonies for the Church, 7:16. “The dissemination of the truth of God is not confined to a few ordained ministers. The truth is to be scattered by all who claim to be disciples of Christ. It must be sown beside all waters,” The Review and Herald, August 22, 1899. Within Ellen White’s counsels are several basic principles. First, lay people are to work unitedly and harmoniously with pastors and church administrators. Second, all are called to labor with their own God-given talents and abilities. Third, the world is looking for people who live the principles of the Gospel in their everyday lives.
The mission of Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) reflects these principles. ASI is a Seventh-day Adventist organization composed of supporting ministries, businesses, and professionals who are responding to the call of God to actively share Christ’s message of hope and wholeness in the marketplace and around the world.
You are invited to partner with ASI by applying your energy, skills, and God-given talents to help finish spreading the Good News of the Gospel to the world — a world waiting to be amazed with a revelation of the love of God, and a demonstration of the unity that Christ prayed for in John 17.
Remember, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers,” Gospel Workers, page 352.
To learn more about ASI and the opportunity for business unusual, visit our website at www.asiministries.org.
is president of ASI North America, and president of Harbert Hills Academy in Savannah, Tennessee. With his wife, Brenda, he has partnered in educational supporting ministry work for 20 years.
Southern Union | May 2018
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