The Concept Of Ministry

I will not start out by asking you if you are truly called to the ministry you are pursuing. That question will be answered as you give yourself over to these lessons program.

However, it is essential that you know and understand the concept of ministry. The concept of ministry is...Ministry is not just about believing in the power of the Lord, but

also about manifesting His presence through one’s actions. It requires walking in the Spirit, which means obeying God in all things and aligning one’s mind, emotions, and will with those of Christ. It is only by doing so that one can truly serve in the name of Jesus and glorify God.

The Concept of Ministry Is...

1. A divine service or duty that is given by God.
2. It is God’s purpose for your life on earth.
3. It is not about personal achievement or advancement but about fulfilling the will of God.
4. It involves using the gifts bestowed by God, such as being apostles, prophets, teachers, healers, helpers, governors, or
5. speakers of diverse tongues, to further Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth.
6. Ministry is a divine responsibility, not a personal endeavor.
7. It is not about gaining recognition or praise, but about serving God and others selflessly, according to His will.
8. It requires a high degree of sobriety, humility, and a deep understanding of one’s role in God’s plan.

Any manifestation of the Spirit, as listed below, is a form of ministry.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 -- To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Verse 27. “Members in particular” — Each church is a miniature of the whole, which is “the body of Christ”. The individuals in the church are considered

members of the body, everyone in his assigned place. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Verse 28. “God hath set some in the church” — This is the same as saying, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” (1Corinthians 12:18)

The Order of the Callings

Pastors

A pastor, derived from the Greek word “Poimen” which means “a shepherd”, is a spiritual leader responsible for guiding and feeding the flock, which is the congregation. This involves tender care and vigilant superintendence. Pastors are also responsible for teaching, refuting, reproving, admonishing, and comforting their congregation. They are stewards of the mysteries of God, tasked with managing the dispensing of the Word of God. They must have compassion for people and be willing to go to whatever

lengths to retrieve even one lost sheep. It is also the responsibility of the pastor to take the Word that has been given by God to the apostle (and confirmed by the prophet) and

give it to the flock in a manner in which it can be easily understood and applied.

Bible Verses to support this include Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and

understanding.” and Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed

the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” First apostles — They are set above even the prophets. According to Strong’s concordance, “first” is πρῶτονprōton; meaning first in time, place, order of succession of the other gifts, importance, and influence: — at the beginning, at the first of all that follows.

This does not merely refer to the Twelve, but others are also called to the office of the apostle; for example, Barnabas, Junia (Romans 16:7).

Secondarily prophets

second in time, place, order of succession of the gifts, importance, and influence. If the apostle is the first to influence, then it is the

prophet who is also influenced by the apostle. Though the prophet receives visions and rhema words from the Father, it is the influence of the apostle’s

message to the church that sets these words in their proper perspective and understanding. In turn, the word given to the prophet becomes a confirmation of the revelation given to the apostle.

Teachers

The teacher teaches truths that have already been revealed by the apostles and prophets; The gift of the teacher empowers one with the “word of knowledge,” which provides them with a clear knowledge and understanding of the word of God. Under “teachers” are included “evangelists and pastors.” Miracles — It literally means “powers” (See 1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 6:1-10; Acts 8:5-17)

The “Helps”

These officers were originally empowered with the Spirit for their office. This gift includes a diversity of people in the body of Christ; from those who are blessed with the gift of giving, to tech teams, Psalmists, graphics, publications personnel, and daycare workers, etc.

Governments:

Though the apostle, prophet, pastors, teachers and evangelists, are the primary governors of the Body of Christ, there is also a local, internal

government of each local church.

1 Timothy 5:17

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

The elders include the pastor and other pastoral under-shepherds. Nevertheless, there are other gifts involved in the local government of the church: deacons, church administrators, and auxiliary heads, just to name a few. Are all the same? Or do all work the same ministry? - Surely not.