Having a Ministry When You Are Not a Minister

Dr. Caleb Thomas

Igrew up surrounded by pastors and missionaries, and, as a result, I was aware their job was “ministry.” I always liked that idea, you know, that the thing you spend most your day doing is service to God. My problem was I was not a pastor. But that doesn’t mean that other jobs aren’t used by God and, therefore, are a ministry. The Bible has stories about people who used their professions as a ministry. A tax collector forgiving people’s debts, a seamstress giving clothes to the poor, or farmers making offerings to God from their flock/crop. Even when Jesus was challenged by religious leaders for working on the Sabbath, he responded, “Which of you [clergy], having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” (Luke 14:5). I think Jesus was defending the non-clergy who must work at all times of the week.

I am a veterinarian. I pulled an ox out of a ditch on a Sunday, not to mention countless other emergencies. My profession has allowed me to gain skills that are helpful to others – well, mostly animals. Can what I do serve God? I have thought a great deal about how to use my skills to serve God. I am always trying to be sensitive to God and God’s leading when doing my job. One idea I recently had was to use my profession in service to God on my honeymoon. My wife, Subin, and I chose to use our honeymoon as a mission trip to Guatemala. It was a working honeymoon. Through the blessing of being a vet and donations from a pharmaceutical company we were able to host free vaccine clinics in Guatemala. We did veterinary clinics in Cumberland Presbyterian churches. As we vaccinated and diagnosed medical issues in the animals, the church members spent time evangelizing the owners who came to the church. In just two days we saw over 100 animals and the church talked to lots of people. We did help the animal population there, but the greater effect was the word of God and the love of Christ being shared with those that may have needed it. I love what I do, and I think it is a great service, but it is not like being a pastor or missionary who preaches the Good News of Christ. However, I have learned I can use my profession to bring people to the right place to receive the Good News. My profession is not the same as being a minister, but it is a ministry.

Missionary Rev. Socorro Pejendino:

“Dr. Caleb and Subin Thomas visited Guatemala and did a beautiful job with the Guatemalan community. They offered veterinary clinics in two sectors of the city. One in La Reformita, where the CP Church La Vid is located and another in zone 6 of Mixco, where the CP Church, Casa de Fe y Oración is located. They treated 115 pets including dogs and cats, applying vaccinations, deworming, medical check-up and delivery of medicines. It was a beautiful opportunity to share the love of God and his Word. God bless Caleb and Subin in their marriage, ministry, and business. We are grateful for your social work in Guatemala.” Facebook Post