I look forward to meeting Tychicus in heaven one day. Do you remember Tychicus? Outside of having a great name (something for you expecting parents to consider!) Tychicus had an important role in the Bible. Let’s note a couple of things the New Testament tells us about Tychicus. (Could we call him “Ty” for short?)
Tychicus was a close friend of Paul and is mentioned five times. Acts 20:4 tells us that he accompanied Paul and several others on the journey to take a collection to bring relief to the believers in Jerusalem. We are told he is from the province of Asia giving further evidence of the rapid expansion of the Christian faith. Fulfillment of the Great Commission was always intended to be a partnership among all believers.
In Ephesians 6 and Colossians 4, Tychicus is shown to be the one delivering to the churches their important messages and bringing further news of Paul’s condition. He is described as a “dearly loved brother and faithful servant.” Ministry was always intended to be a group endeavor. Paul included Tychicus and others in sharing the gospel and encouraging the churches.
In Titus 3, Paul said that he was going to send either Tychicus or Artemas to assist the churches on the island of Crete. In 2 Timothy 4, we are told that Tychicus was sent by Paul to assist the church at Ephesus while Paul faced imprisonment yet again. Paul allowed Tychicus to encourage these churches in a time of need and to allow Titus and Timothy to visit with Paul to encourage him and to be encouraged by him. Ministry leaders of every kind need to encourage and be encouraged.
We can learn some things about ministry from the life of Tychicus.
1. Ministry takes all kinds of people. We need people of every age and stage to minister to others. We need people from every sort of background and with different spiritual gifts to willingly serve the Lord. Illinois Baptists need a partnership of people from every region of the state, from every people group, and of all stages of life.
2. Ministry takes teams of people. Ministry is a team sport. God loves to connect us and to put us to work together. We serve best when we serve with others. We impact best when we work together. We need each other. Illinois Baptists need the support and encouragement we get from working together to reach our state and world for Christ.
3. Everyone has a role in ministry. Your role is different than the role of Paul or Tychicus or me or anyone else. But your role matters and your involvement in God’s service has an impact. Illinois Baptists need church planters and pastors of existing churches and Sunday School teachers and small group leaders to partner with each other to reach our state.
When we meet Tychicus in heaven, let’s ask him about his work in those exciting times of ministry in the early days of the church. And perhaps Tychicus will ask us about our own role in the work God was doing in our generation in our churches and in our state.
A great Illinois partnership
I also want to offer my grateful appreciation for Nate Adams’ service to IBSA for these past 19 years. He has been a great leader and friend and has served the Lord and IBSA well. While I am confident the Lord will lead us to our next IBSA Executive Director in his timing, I don’t want us to forget what a blessing Nate Adams has been to our state convention.
I am thankful for his love for the Lord and for our state. He has been an example for us and an inspiration to us. I am believing God is going to continue to use him and the IBSA staff to lead our state effectively for this next year and that his influence will continue to bless us for years to come.
Illinois Baptists work best when we work together and I’m praying for God’s wisdom and passion among us as we strive to reach our state with the wonderful hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Doug Munton is serving as IBSA President. He is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of O’Fallon.