Be an influencer!

Dear Christian Friend,

Be an “influencer.”

It’s become an important and sought-after job, thanks to the power of social media and the popularity of online purchasing.

An influencer is a “product pusher” companies use to promote their brands and boost sales. Agencies have popped up to assist with assembling appropriate people who will influence (“guide” is the word they use) customers in their decision-making process.

Ask your pastor, teacher, or staff minister who or what influenced them in their decision to serve in the public ministry. Ultimately it is the gospel—the great news that our sins are forgiven and death is defeated through Jesus—that motivates and moves a person into ministry. Prayer is vital too. But let’s not overlook the importance of people.

It may be a family member with a gentle word of encouragement or a congregational leader telling you they see potential. “Your voice is meant for the pulpit!” “You work well with kids; you should be a teacher!”

Maybe it is a kind comment from a teacher following a class presentation or an opportunity a pastor provides to be a “shadow” for a day. Don’t forget or underestimate the impact of a care package or birthday card from the home congregation or financial support and generous donations from individuals and congregations. This is the team of influencers that the Holy Spirit can use to guide a person in their decision to train to become a called worker. And the need is great.

Because of the power of the sinful nature and the popularity of sin, the world needs proclaimers of God’s forgiveness, peace, and hope. Jesus looks and sees people who are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Gospel workers are in great demand!

The same is true for influencers. The important job of encouraging, whether gently nudging or more powerfully persuading someone toward public ministry, is critical in our world today. Can you do that work? Do you know a person who has a heart for the Lord and his people? Could you be an influencer for the public ministry? I believe the answer to all three questions is “yes!”

Would you also be an influencer today with a gift toward student financial assistance? I pray that your answer to that question is also “yes!” After all, what better “product” could we boost, or “brand” could we promote, than the message of God’s love and his gift of salvation in Jesus our Savior?

Thank you for your influence for God’s kingdom!
Rev. Duane Rodewald
Chairman, WELS Board for Ministerial Education

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray that you would raise up the next generation of leaders in our church body through the power of your good news in Word and sacraments—and through our encouragement. Help family members, church members, pastors, and teachers to urge young men and women who have a love for you and others to consider gospel ministry. May care packages and financial support from individuals and congregations build up ministerial education students as they go about their studies. You know, Lord, how badly so many people need to hear about your salvation. Provide your church with devoted workers—and their encouragers—so that your name may be proclaimed in all the earth. Amen.