Word of the Week: Ministry

“I would like for you to meet our minister.”

Have any of you preachers ever been introduced by one of your church members to their friends with those or similar words?

Have any of your ever introduced your preacher, as “my minister”? Or “the minister”?

Such a notion may imply that the preacher is entirely responsible for the ministry of the church. This, however, is not a Biblical idea.

In Ephesians 4:11-12, the apostle Paul provides this inspired insight.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

The word “ministry” is used in two ways in the Bible. (1) It involves physical ministry as in the benevolence to the neglected Grecian widows in Acts 6. To meet this need 7 men were chosen to minister to the needs of these sisters. However, the text indicates a second usage of “ministry.”

The apostles appointed these men for this specific ministry because they were assigned another ministry–“the ministry of the word” (Ax 6:4). Preaching and teaching is a ministry. But it’s not the only ministry of the church.

Consider these five facts about ministry.

#1 Every member is a minister.

The Bible teaches that we are created for ministry (Eph. 2:10). We are saved for ministry (1 Tim. 1:9). We are commanded to minister (Matt. 20:26-28). And we are rewarded for ministry (1 Cor. 3:8).

#2 Every ministry is important.

There are no little people in the Body of Christ. All add value. Everyone is needed. Preachers. Pastors. Deacons. Teachers. The Young. The aged. Each has something to offer. And a work to do. Romans 12:3-8 speaks of serving in various ways. Not just in a leadership capacity. But even through encouragement, showing mercy, or contributing to the needs of others.

#3 We are dependent on each other.

In I Corinthians 12 Paul uses the analogy of the physical body to remind us of our interdependence on one another. Your eyes, ears, nose, hands, and feet all are given a unique function. They are not the whole body. But a member. But each member depends on the other. So, it is with the Body of Christ.

Successful ministry cannot be accomplished by just one person on the payroll. It takes everyone.

#4 Ministry is based on our gifts.

In the Romans 12 passage, Paul affirms that we all have gifts. They are all different. And they are all given by God’s grace. Whether we are the 1 talent person. Or the 2 talent person. Or the 5 talent person. The exhortation is to use the gifts God gave you to minister.

Each person needs to discover their talent, ability, and passion for serving. Then use their knowledge, experiences, education, resources, and personality to minister as they have opportunity.

“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ…(I Pet. 4:11).

#5 Our mutual ministry builds up the Body of Christ.

Edification occurs when preachers, pastors, and teachers are equipping saints for service. Whether it is a physical or spiritual ministry, all make a difference. And makes the Body stronger. Healthier. And more vibrant.

In the past couple of years, ministry has been impacted by COVID-19. In some places, ministry has been adapted to successfully meet the current needs. However, in other places ministry has come to a standstill. Some members have opted out of their ministry responsibilities.

“Let’s Renew in ‘22.” Renew ministry in your Church Family. Renew ministry in your home. Renew ministry in your life. Look for ways to meet the physical needs of the sick and suffering. To encourage the weak. To restore the wayward. To help the less fortunate. To serve your community. And to share the gospel of Christ.

Ministry. It’s the duty of every faithful Christian.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman