X
info

What We Believe - The Ministry

 

Church Organization
The Church is more than an organization; it is a living organism, and its head is Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:22-23

A church should only have as much organization as it really needs.

The early church seemed to focus on ministry rather than positions.  Matthew 23:8-12

Ephesians 4:8-11

Apostles
Apostle means messenger or envoy.
Jesus first designated His twelve disciples as apostles. Luke 6:13

There were others as well.
Acts 14:14, Romans 16:7

Paul describes his calling as a disciple in 1 Corinthians 15:8-9.


The apostolic ministry had three distinct features:

  1. Apostles were not selected by men; they were called by Jesus Christ and God the FatherGalatians 1:1
  2. Apostles were limited to those who had heard Jesus or were able to talk to those who had. Acts 1:21-22
  3. The ministry included signs and wonders2 Cor. 12:12

 

The title is not used much today, yet God has placed this ministry in the Church. 1 Corinthians 12:28


Prophets
Prophets were spokespersons for God. They exercised an edifying ministry to the Church. Acts 15:32; 1 Corinthians 14:3


Their messages were not infallible, but were to be judged. 1 Corinthians 14:29, 14:32; 1 John 4:1


Evangelists
An evangelist is a bringer of good news. This ministry overlaps with that of the apostle and the pastor2 Timothy 4:5


This also was used for laypersons, such as the deacon Philip. Acts 21:8; Acts 8:6-8


Pastor-Teachers: Pastors
Pastor can be translated as shepherd

  • Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. 1 Peter 5:4
  • Pastors are undershepherds.

Pastors are responsible for caring for and protecting God’s flock.

They should also be worthy of their flock’s imitation1 Peter 5:2-3

Pastors are also called elders and bishops.


Pastor-Teachers: Teachers
Pastors must be teachers; teachers may not be pastors.
Teachers minister primarily to Christians.


Deacons
Deacon means minister or servant.  Acts 6:1-6
Deacons served as helpers to apostles and elders, especially in practical matters.

1 Corinthians 12:28-31
Any believer may be used for a specific ministry as any given time.


The Objectives of Ministry

  1. Evangelism – Matthew 28:19-20Acts 1:8
  2. Worship – John 4:23-24
  3. Equipping – Ephesians 4:12-16
    a. Works of service
    b. Unity in the faith
    c. Unity in the knowledge of the Son of God
    d. Maturity

 

Notes
Bible
Additional Media