Understanding Ministry

[1watchman]

I appreciate this paper which sets forth a good overview of the subject.

M I N I S T R Y
By R. DeWitt ​

The saints of God will hear ministry along their pathway from many sources. Some will be deemed profitable, and some unprofitable or even serious error. It should always be tested by the Word (see John 5:39; Acts 17:11; II Tim.2:15; II Tim.3:16; Titus 1:9). Ministry must not reflect adversely on the Trinity of God, the Person and work of Christ, or on church truth and unity; and it should not stumble the saints. Some non-essential thoughts are controversial and should not be ministered abroad, except carefully upon occasion by such qualification.


Any Christian ministry ought to be fully in accord with "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), whether it is spreading the gospel to the lost souls and ministering to their personal needs, teaching the Scriptures to the saints, or shepherding the flock. Certainly kindness and assistance to those in personal need in the Name of the Lord is a ministry of love. Political and social issues and entertainment have no place in God's counsel (see II Tim.4:2; Acts 20:27). He has little to say to the world beyond a call to repent and believe, and the saints are called out in separation from the world (John 17; Rom.12:2; Gal.1:3-4; I John 2:15).


The Lord Jesus showed us the Christian experience with Himself as the object (John 15:5), for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). This seems to speak of the redemptive way, church truth, and spiritual life. He gave us evangelists, teachers, and pastors to help --and not as man appointed preachers (Rom. 12: 1-8; 1 Cor. 12; Eph.4:11; etc.).


No one has authority from God to proclaim himself to be an evangelist, teacher, pastor, elder, or some officer. The saints in the fellowship will judge if it is so. It is a work (gift), not a position and title. All the saints may exercise their priesthood by the gift and leading of the Holy Spirit. One must: "take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it" (Col.4:17).


Although one would not suggest this paper covers the subject of ministry, here are some thoughts for meditation and scriptural study; and the writer would be pleased to hear from any who think otherwise.

- Evangelical Ministry -​

Every true child of God should want to tell others of their hope and joy in the Lord. We might have opportunity to preach Christ, or we might only be able to make a brief comment (I Pet.3:15). Perhaps it is only our manner of life that is a testimony. Other people watch Christians, so our manner of life surely speaks loudly.


We hardly need to say much on this subject, because believers usually want to show forth the Lord. We may be cold in heart sometimes and not moved to speak or give out literature, but it is a privilege to witness for Him and most pleasing to God (and not to be done by payment - I Pet.5:2-3). One ought to be sure they are clear on the redemptive way, and not stumble others.


We might "do the work of an evangelist" (II Tim.4:5), but some have a definite gift for it, and some are even called to fulltime work in the world. Surely every brother and sister in Christ should do what they can to exalt His Name. We are not responsible for results, rather the work (Rom.10:14).

- Tutorial Ministry -​

It is good when one is "apt to teach" (II Tim.2:24) and can set forth sound doctrine. That is a gift. There are degrees or levels of understanding. Teacher is not a title, but a description.

Some brothers have much understanding of God's principles and will; and can teach the Word (not as though any are perfect). These may be elders in the local assembly as appointed by God. Elders are guardians of the testimony and are "angels of the church" (Rev.2 & 3). Elders ought to also have a pastoral care for the saints of God. They are recognized by the saints, but not part of a hierarchy, or special class over their brethren (Rev.2:6).


Any child of God may have understanding, and by sharing it they are often teaching someone. One might share a few thoughts with another, and it might prove to be profitable by the working of the Holy Spirit. This is part of our priesthood (I Pet.2). Some are able to minister the Word quite fully, and some are even called to go forth in the Lord's work among the assemblies in the world.

- Pastoral Ministry -​

The care and encouragement of the saints of God is a worthy work, which all the saints can minister to other believers. We all need to be built up in the faith and strengthened to "hold fast", "rejoice in the Lord", "be at peace", and "press on". Some are especially gifted for this in the local assembly, and some are called to this fulltime ministry abroad. Certainly the Word of God does not teach the one-man ministry of Pastor of a local assembly, which is so prevalent in denominationalism (Rev.2:6). We won't speak at length on that subject here.

In ministering to the peace and joy of the saints, one should look unto the Lord and know it is not flesh and contrary to the Word of God. The elders in the local assembly should prayerfully guide and also encourage such ministry, and exercise care to not discourage the saints and "quench" the Spirit, though they must minister the Word and guard the truth. We should all understand that the assembly doesn't minister or serve (Acts 2:42)---it is a personal work and by the Holy Spirit.


When one arranges a special time in their home or elsewhere for fellowship in song and praise, or other godly activity, it is a pastoral work because it edifies the saints and glorifies the Lord. So, "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord" (Col. 3:23). We all can surely always speak a word of encouragement to the saints we meet and help them press on. We need more shepherds (pastors). - R.L.D., 8/95

 

[1watchman]

As noted in the original post the Word of God should be our only authority for the Faith, and if one begins reading in John 1; John 3; John 14; and notes also John 17, one will get a good overview of faith in the Savior and the mind of God. Religious organizations cannot give that to one, for they are about doctrines, creeds, programs, activities, etc. and not Bible study as our only hope to know God and His mind for us. Pray much, trust the Lord, and look up always!