PREPARING TO MINISTER

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Explain the role of a teacher as a partner with God in ministry.
2. Identify essential preparations for effective ministry in knowledge and character.
3. Discuss ministry as a lifelong vocation for fulfilling God's plan for reconciling the lost and edifying the saints.
4. Examine the teacher’s responsibility to prepare for ministry and ensure they are approved by God as a workman of the Gospel.
5. Evaluate personal readiness and commitment to the responsibilities of a teacher of the Gospel, considering alignment with God’s expectations

Throughout this training course, we have been emphasizing the truth that teaching must be done by God through us. When God ordains a teacher, He has chosen to use them, to articulate, demonstrate, and illustrate the Mysteries of Christ.

However, while we expect the Lord to use us as we teach, we are also laborers together with Him. Therefore, it is essential that we prepare ourselves for ministry. This preparation should not only align with God’s will for the setting in which we minister but also ensure that we are approved—both in knowledge and character—to be used by Him.

ARE YOU APPROVED OF GOD?

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

To illustrate the criteria God uses to approve us for ministry, I will break the scripture above into three sections: (a) God’s Approval of your life (b) God’s Approval of your Labor (c.) God’s Approval of your Teaching .

God’s Approval of Your Life

Study to shew thyself approved unto God…

It is significant that the word study in the verse above means “be diligent.” It implies making an effort with urgency—to act promptly and earnestly. In other words, we should be diligent and make every effort to ensure that we are approved by God as ministers of the Gospel. Securing God’s approval is the first step in preparing ourselves for ministry.

In this context, approval refers to being counted worthy of the anointing for ministry and recognized as an able minister of the Word of God. The first thing God examines to determine whether you are worthy of ministry (approved) is your life.

Sadly, many—even some among us—do not live holy lives. I have witnessed dispositions such as pride, lust, comparison, impatience, apathy, idolatry, judgmental attitudes, and resistance to leadership, among others.

Yet, more often than not, these same individuals are the most eager to teach. However, their lives have not been approved by God. When confronted about their character, they can often recognize where they fall short and may even express remorse. Yet, despite this awareness, some remain unchanged for years. The reality is that they are simply not ready to be holy. They have chosen darkness as their lifestyle, resisting the urgency of the Holy Ghost to sanctify themselves. These individuals are not approved by God—they are resisted.

As we diligently and earnestly seek to be approved by God, self-examination is essential. Take a close look at your life. Do you remain obedient to God in all things? Do you feel the way Jesus feels about everything? Do you think in a godly manner? Do you show favoritism or have a judgmental spirit? Any answer that is inconsistent with God’s standard will cause Him to resist and humble you.

If, during your self-examination, you find yourself lacking in any area, it is time to make a change—from the heart. This change will be evidenced by a deep hatred for the sinful or negative things God has revealed to you. That conviction will then be followed by unwavering, tunnel-visioned obedience to God.

Only when you are fully submitted to the Holy Spirit in every area of your life are you truly worthy of God’s approval.

God’s Approval of Your Labor

…a workman that needeth not to be ashamed…

Now that we have examined our lives to ensure they are approved before God, the next step is to diligently confirm that we are truly workmen who need not be ashamed.

Ephesians 4:1

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

It is crucial for ministers to understand that ministry is their life’s occupation. In fact, it is the very reason they remain on this earth—to reconcile the lost to God and to edify the saints. If this is indeed our vocation, then as workmen, we must ensure that we are fit for the job.

Let us review a few of the terms in our job description:

• Bible and Word Study– As ministers of the Gospel we are expected to engage in diligent study of the Word (whether the Bible, Christian books or courses) to ensure sound doctrine and effective teaching.
• Spiritual Devotion – Maintain a consistent life of prayer, seeking God's guidance for ministry.
• Community Engagement – Build meaningful relationships with those you minister to, fostering spiritual growth and connection.
• Practical Readiness – Complete all necessary natural preparations for teaching and ministry, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in delivery.

As workmen in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the responsibilities outlined above are expected of us. When someone pursues an occupation, years of study and practice often take place before they ever step into the role. Likewise, if we intend to be ministers of the Gospel, it is crucial that we prepare ourselves for the job.

In examining whether you are approved by God as a workman of the Gospel—specifically, as one of God's teachers—ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have a comprehensive understanding of the Mystery of Christ, as well as a general understanding of the Bible? Am I able to articulate these truths using scriptural support when necessary—and do so from memory?
• If I lack the knowledge necessary to minister on a particular topic, do I diligently study the Word to ensure that I can confidently minister on it moving forward?
• Do I remain in the Word consistently to stay abreast of current revelations?
• Have I made praying for and staying connected to those I minister to, a way of life?
• When I think of ministry, do I see it as moments when I am given a platform to teach, or do I view it as the life I live daily? Your answer to this question will determine how prepared you feel you need to be at all times for ministry.

God’s Approval of Your Teaching

…rightly dividing the word of truth.

Rightly dividing the Word refers to the ability to accurately handle and skillfully teach the Scriptures. When one rightly divides the Word, they can identify what it is truly saying and teach truth without any scriptural contradictions.

To rightly divide the Word, we must be familiar with the Bible and any material we are ministering from. Therefore, it is essential that we are well-prepared and comfortable with the content before ever standing before the people.

When we make readiness for ministry a way of life, we will feel less pressure when God calls us to minister. Additionally, the more we minister, the more confident we become—not only in articulating the content but also in engaging and handling an audience effectively.

I HAVE TO MINISTER TOMORROW, WHAT DO I DO?

Pray - Stay before the Lord in prayer and listen to His leading. Pray for clarity on what He wants to cover in the lesson, and ask that the people’s hearts be prepared to receive His Word. As you prepare, remain attentive to the Holy Spirit—He will guide you and show you what to do.

Study - Ensure you have a solid understanding of the Bible topic or Course Manual before teaching. You should be able to articulate the lesson comfortably from memory. Engage in Bible study to find additional scriptures that support the principles covered in your material, and document them for reference.

Use this document as a guide to effectively handle your teaching material as you prepare to minister.

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Use this video as a guide to assist in personal Bible Study

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFHqlGgQn2Y&ab_channel=KareemFlowers

Collaborate - If you are ministering in a setting with multiple ministers, collaboration beforehand is essential. However, even when ministering alone, working with other ministers can be incredibly beneficial.

Through collaboration, you can:

• Help one another rightly divide the Scriptures
• Pray for one another
• Interpret and create meaningful activities
• Ensure nothing important is overlooked

By working together, you strengthen both your preparation and the impact of your ministry.

Make a Lesson Plan - Before ministering, it is important to have a clear idea of the general flow of your lesson. Course Manuals often provide a systematic breakdown of the Word, so following that structure is wise. However, God may also give you additional tools, activities, or scriptures to further clarify the lesson.

📅 Upcoming Resource:

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, a video will be released teaching you how to structure a lesson. (See Activity 3 for details.)

Prepare Your Props, Environment, and Demonstrations - As you prepare to minister, ensure that everything needed to facilitate learning and enlightenment is in place and fully functional. Teaching tools such as images, videos, and props should be prepared and tested in advance. If assistance is required, be sure to reach out to the necessary parties ahead of time.

Let us truly study to show ourselves approved—Kingdom Teachers who are anointed and appointed by God.

ACTIVITIES FOR WEEK 5

DUE DATE: FEB 19, 2025

Activity 1: Personal Reflection:

Answer the following questions:

• Do I have a comprehensive understanding of the mystery of Christ, as well as a general understanding of the Bible? Am I able to articulate these truths using scriptural support when necessary—and do so from memory?
• If I lack the knowledge necessary to minister on a particular topic, do I diligently study the Word to ensure that I can confidently minister on it moving forward?
• Do I remain in the Word consistently to stay abreast of current revelations?
• Have I made praying for and staying connected to those I minister to, a way of life?
• When I think of ministry, do I see it as moments when I am given a platform to teach, or do I view it as the life I live daily?

Journal your responses in the designated space on our online platform.

Activity 2: Group Study in Preparation for Teaching

1. In your groups, apply the principles from this lesson to study in preparation for teaching.
2. Use the assigned course and the lesson planned with your discipleship/mentorship group as the focus of your study.
3. Share your experience with your mentor and use feedback to refine your preparation individually and as a group.

Activity 3: Group Lesson Planning - Part 2

1. You will be provided with guidelines for lesson planning and are required to review your original plan.
2. Use findings from your review to refine this lesson plan
3. Make arrangements to teach using this plan. Ensure that you discuss your plan with your mentor