Topic: An Overview of Christian Ministry
Facilitator: Rev. John O. Ofori
Introduction:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” Matt. 5:16 (KJV)
“Discharge all the duties of your ministry” 2 Tim. 4:5c
One of the purposes for the establishment of the Church on earth is bring glory to God by ministering to the spiritual, emotional and material needs of believers as well as unbelievers. Jesus Christ three years ministration on the earth provides us with a perfect model and basis for ministry development in the contemporary Church. He holistically met the needs of the people who came in contact with Him. He preached the good news to the lost, healed the sick, delivered the oppressed and fed the hungry. In the New Testament also one could see how the Church continued to be relevant in the lives of her members by meeting their spiritual, psychological and physical needs (Act 2:42-47).
What Is A Ministry?
There are several theological and philosophical definitions as to what constitute a ministry. We would rather look at some practical definitions for the benefit of this presentation.
- Generally speaking to minister means to serve, help or give aid to someone in need.
- A ministry is a way of serving and caring for others in Christ’s name.
- It is a service, that is, the responsibility and work that God commits to believers in Christ, each according to the special capacity that
God gives for instructing and helping others.
- It is a gospel-inspired activity with an emphasis on attitude and approach brought to it.
- Ministry is the use of a person’s gifts, talents, time and energy, in the service of others. It involves roles designated by the Church to fulfill its mission in different works of service, such as in worship, teaching, leadership, witnessing, welfare and stewardship.
- “Ministry occurs when divine resources meet human needs through a loving channel to the glory of God”. Warren Wiersbe
- In short, ministry is about people. Ministry is about serving, supporting, caring and helping people meet their spiritual and material needs as well as developing their potentials.
Note: A minister is a servant of Christ and His church
The Purpose of Ministry:
- To glorify God (Acts 3:8)
- To practically manifest Christ’s love
- To make the Church relevant in the lives of people
- To meet the diverse needs of God’s people
- To help those who may not be necessarily members of the Church
- To reach out and evangelize our neighborhoods and communities
- The Church and individual members become distributors of divine resource
- It helps the Church to grow and expand (Acts 6:7)
- It gives the members the opportunity to serve in the Church and to be occupied till Jesus returns
- The Church positively impacts communities and lives thru ministry
Types of Ministry
Basic Biblical Ministry: Preaching, Teaching, Prayer, Praise and Worship
Prominent ministries in the Church of Pentecost include: Women’s, PEMEF, Witness, Youth/PENSA and Children.
Other Ministries: Follow-up and Outreach, Audio-Visual etc
Potential Ministries: Marriage/Couple, Singles, Single Parents, Youth and Professional Mentoring, Support/Care group and Counseling, Shepherding.
Social/Community Ministries: Emergency food programs (food pantry and hot meals for the hungry, Family Support Services, Prison Visitation, Hospital Visitation, Voluntary Services at Senior Centers, etc.
The Old Testament Ministry |
The New Testament Ministry |
- Moses as a Model Minister
- Ministration by selected few
- Ministration of the law
- Ministration of condemnation
- Ministry of fading glory
- Ministry of veiled faces/minds
- Faulty (dull) Ministry
2 Cor. 3: 4-18; 4:1-7;5:11-21 |
- Jesus as a Model Minister
- Ministration by all believers
- Ministration of the Spirit
- Ministry of reconciliation
- Ministry of surpassing glory
- Ministry of unveiled faces
- Excellent (power) Ministry
|
Characteristics of a True Ministry
Scriptural references: 2 Cor. Chaps. 10; 11: 12; I and II Timothy
- The foundation of ministry is character
- The nature of ministry is service
- The motive for ministry is love
- The measure of ministry is sacrifice
- The authority of ministry is submission
- The purpose of ministry is the glory of God
- The tools of ministry are the Word of God and Prayer
- The privilege of Ministry is growth
- The power of ministry is the Holy Spirit
- The model for ministry is Jesus Christ
Source: Warren and David Wiersbe: Making Sense of the Ministry (1983)
Conclusion: Having effective and dynamic ministry is not by accident, it requires a lot of grace, divine knowledge and wisdom, vision, planning, practical and fine leadership skills, and the passion to make difference.
“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing
It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving”
~ Mother Teresa ~ |
