After the Ministry Fair, How do You See "Ministry"?
Sometimes we limit ministry to a few who have professional roles in church life. They serve in the ministry. In the New Testament, however, ministry is not reserved for the few, but required of all, a fact reinforced by our Ministry Fair, where 22 ministries beckoned to potential helpers.
All Christians must be equipped, not for the ministry, but for ministry (Eph. 4:12). If we regard serving only as a duty, we may feel whipped by a demanding master. However, if we understand ministry’s positive personal benefits, it is a liberating blessing!
Ministry and Encouragement: Ministry is a means of encouragement, especially when we serve with others. Saints equipped for the work of ministry “build up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). Those who participate with others in any ministry at the College Church will tell you they are made stronger by the shared activity.
Extending Congregational Influence: The church in Thessalonica had an influence beyond that of any individual member. Its faith, collectively, had gone forth everywhere (1 Th. 1:7-8). While every faithful servant casts a long shadow, Christians serving together cast a longer one. Take for example our financial contributions. Individuals who made monetary contributions in their churches participated with Paul in a ministry that extended from Europe to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-24).
There’s more to our financial contributions than a budget line in the church bulletin. Our gifts are also our willing participation in a shared ministry that is more expansive than any one of us could ever accomplish on her or his own.
Ministry and Discipleship: You have heard a lot at the College Church about being a disciple, one who learns from a teacher and embraces his lifestyle. Jesus said, “Come, learn from me” (Matt. 11:29); and he left us an example that we should follow in his steps (1 Pet. 2:21). Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve (Mk. 10:45). By looking beyond ourselves to the interests of others, we have the mind of Christ, who “took the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:4-7). When we serve/minister, we are truly disciples of Jesus.
May our Fair mean not only an increase in workers but a clearer view of ministry itself. If the duty to minister becomes the desire to serve, we can sing with more conviction, “O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer; this is [our] constant longing and prayer.”
All Christians must be equipped, not for the ministry, but for ministry (Eph. 4:12). If we regard serving only as a duty, we may feel whipped by a demanding master. However, if we understand ministry’s positive personal benefits, it is a liberating blessing!
Ministry and Encouragement: Ministry is a means of encouragement, especially when we serve with others. Saints equipped for the work of ministry “build up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). Those who participate with others in any ministry at the College Church will tell you they are made stronger by the shared activity.
Extending Congregational Influence: The church in Thessalonica had an influence beyond that of any individual member. Its faith, collectively, had gone forth everywhere (1 Th. 1:7-8). While every faithful servant casts a long shadow, Christians serving together cast a longer one. Take for example our financial contributions. Individuals who made monetary contributions in their churches participated with Paul in a ministry that extended from Europe to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-24).
There’s more to our financial contributions than a budget line in the church bulletin. Our gifts are also our willing participation in a shared ministry that is more expansive than any one of us could ever accomplish on her or his own.
Ministry and Discipleship: You have heard a lot at the College Church about being a disciple, one who learns from a teacher and embraces his lifestyle. Jesus said, “Come, learn from me” (Matt. 11:29); and he left us an example that we should follow in his steps (1 Pet. 2:21). Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve (Mk. 10:45). By looking beyond ourselves to the interests of others, we have the mind of Christ, who “took the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:4-7). When we serve/minister, we are truly disciples of Jesus.
May our Fair mean not only an increase in workers but a clearer view of ministry itself. If the duty to minister becomes the desire to serve, we can sing with more conviction, “O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer; this is [our] constant longing and prayer.”
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