It may seem odd to ask, Am I an amateur for the gospel? In our modern world, we often associate the word amateur with someone who lacks professionalism—a novice in skill or stature. It distinguishes those who are paid experts from those who simply dabble. However, the true meaning of the word amateur carries a beauty that often goes unnoticed. Its roots are found in the Latin amare, “to love,” and amator, meaning “lover.” An amateur, at its core, is someone who does what they do purely out of love—without regard for reward or recognition.

So, dear friend, when it comes to the gospel of Jesus Christ, are we truly amateurs? Do we love the gospel and souls so deeply that we are compelled to share this good news—not for gain or status, but because our hearts cannot help but declare the love we ourselves have experienced?

The Apostle Paul exemplified this “amateur spirit” in 1 Corinthians 9. He boldly asserted his right as a minister of the gospel to receive financial support, yet he laid that right down for the sake of love:

“For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more” (1 Corinthians 9:19, BSB).

Paul’s life and ministry were motivated not by earthly compensation, but by a love so deep it compelled him to become all things to all people. To the Jews, he became as a Jew; to the weak, he became weak. His singular aim was that “by all means [he] might save some” (v. 22). Paul was not driven by gain, but by gospel love—a love that cost him much. He suffered beatings, imprisonment, hunger, and rejection, yet he considered his sacrifices small compared to the joy of seeing souls brought to Christ.

In this Advent season, as we reflect on the coming of Jesus Christ into our broken world, we find the supreme Amateur in Him. The incarnation of Christ is the ultimate expression of love—pure, selfless, sacrificial. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, BSB).

Consider this: God sent His Son not because He had to, but because He loved. Jesus willingly left the glory of heaven, humbled Himself as a baby in a manger, and gave His life on the cross—all to win the war against sin and death. The cost? His very blood. The motive? Love.

In the light of such sacrifice, we must ask ourselves: Are we amateurs for the gospel? Is our ministry—whether it be preaching, teaching, serving, or sharing the gospel—motivated by a deep love for Christ and for lost souls? Or is it tainted by a desire for recognition, comfort, or gain? Paul’s sobering words challenge us:

“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16, BSB).

Can we echo his sentiment? Do we love the gospel so much that not sharing it feels like a woe to our souls? Do we die to ourselves, our comforts, and our pride so that we might, in some way, share in the joy of Christ’s mission?

The world measures success in terms of skill, professionalism, and reward. But the gospel calls us to a different standard. God does not require eloquence, polish, or perfection. He calls for hearts that love Him so deeply that they overflow with the good news of His grace. He calls for amateurs—lovers of Christ and lovers of souls.

So, dear reader, in this season of Advent, reflect on the love that compelled Christ to come for you. Consider the example of Paul, who became all things to all people so that he might win some for Christ. And then ask yourself: Am I an amateur for the gospel?

Do I preach Christ out of love, not obligation? Do I give of myself joyfully, expecting nothing in return? Do I see the gospel as the treasure of my heart, worthy of every sacrifice?

Let this be our prayer: “Lord, make me a lover of the gospel, a true amateur for Your glory. Let my heart be so full of Your love that I cannot help but share the good news. Let me echo Paul’s cry, ‘Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!’ And let me follow Christ, my Savior, in joyful sacrifice, knowing that His love is worth it all. Amen.”

May we live, serve, and speak not as professionals seeking gain, but as humble amateurs—lovers of Christ and proclaimers of His glorious gospel.

Ken graduated from Northpoint Bible College in Haverhill, MA with a B.A. in Biblical Studies/Pastoral Ministry. He and his wife reside in Penfield; NY. Ken is an elder serving in Evangelical Church of Fairport for the past twenty years.