Beyond the Pulpit: Your Calling Still Stands

“Not every minister is meant to stand in a pulpit on Sunday mornings.” – Bishop Steven Arnold

Gracious Father,

Thank You for the wisdom of spiritual leaders who help shape our understanding of purpose. Thank You for Bishop Arnold’s reminder that ministry is not confined to platforms or pulpits. Help me embrace the uniqueness of my calling. Free me from comparison and guide me toward obedience in the spaces You've assigned to me—whether seen or unseen. May I serve You faithfully wherever You plant me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Colossians 3:17 (NIV)“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Romans 12:6–8 (NLT)“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well… If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously… Do them well.”

Ephesians 4:11–12 (NIV)“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Have you ever felt disqualified because you didn’t have a pulpit?Or maybe you’ve questioned your significance in ministry because your name wasn’t listed on a program or your voice didn’t echo through a sanctuary on Sunday morning?

Years ago, Bishop Steven Arnold, a trusted spiritual father in the faith, offered wisdom that shattered narrow perceptions of ministry:“

Not every minister is meant to stand in a pulpit on Sunday mornings.”

What a freeing truth.

We often equate ministry with titles and Sunday morning sermons. But the Kingdom of God is far more expansive. God calls some to preach in churches—but He also calls others to minister in boardrooms, schools, kitchens, hospitals, courtrooms, and street corners.

The same Spirit who anoints the preacher behind the pulpit also anoints:

• the counselor in the therapy session,

• the teacher at the chalkboard,

• the coach on the field,

• the nurse at the bedside,

• and the parent at home raising children in faith.

Your pulpit might be a podcast.

Your sanctuary might be a soccer field.

Your sermon might be lived out in silence, service, and steadfast love.

God calls ministers for every corner of the world.

In Romans 12, Paul reminds us that our gifts differ—yet all are necessary. Some exhort, others lead. Some teach, others serve. The Kingdom needs them all.

God’s work needs:

• pastors and parking lot attendants,

• prophets and public-school teachers,

• preachers and prison chaplains,

• worship leaders and warehouse workers—each using their gifts “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

  
  

So, if you’ve ever felt unseen, underused, or uncertain because your calling didn’t come with a microphone, be encouraged:

• You don’t need a pulpit to preach.

• You don’t need a platform to be powerful.

• You don’t need a title to be trusted by God.

  
  

  Where is God currently calling me to minister outside the traditional pulpit?

  What gifts has He given me, and how am I using them to build His Kingdom?

  Am I comparing my calling to others, or embracing the assignment uniquely given to me?

Songs to worship by:

“My Life is in Your Hands” – Kirk Franklin

“Use Me” – Ron Kenoly

“Make Room” – Jonathan McReynolds

“You Know My Name” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Lord,

Thank You that ministry isn’t confined to the walls of a church building. I surrender my gifts and my calling to You—no matter how public or private they may be. Let my life be a sermon. Let my work be worship. Let my words and actions reflect Your heart. Use me where You’ve placed me and give me peace in my portion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Whether you're in front of a crowd or behind the scenes, remember this truth: Your calling still stands. You were made for this—right where you are.