The Calling of the Minister
Read from your textbook: Ethics for Christian Ministry, Moral Formation for Twenty First Century Leaders, Chapter 4: ” Looking at the Church: Integrity in Your Ministry” (p.70-91)
The authors tell a story of a minister who failed to connect with their church – to enter authentically into the lives of the people and to get to know them. After reading that story, how do you react to this situation? Can we truly disciple people whom we are not doing life with? Have you experienced something like this in a church before?
The authors go into the topic of competence in ministry. The ministry is not a place for lazy people to hide. The work of ministry “comprises multiple tasks, roles and expectations” (p.72).
What are some of the tasks and roles you have taken on? Do you do this work with integrity? In other words, are you walking your talk with your people? Are you doing what you tell others to do?
Read to this short devotional by John Piper about the Purpose of Ministry.
A prerequisite to ministry tasks and responsibilities is the minister’s true sense of a calling of God upon their life. As the question of the purpose of ministry is tackled, let’s begin with a look at the calling of the minister.
Jesus Tells of Ministry Purpose
“And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
Mark 16:15-18
In Mark 16:15-18, Jesus instructs His disciples to do the following activities:
- Preach
- Baptize
- Cast out demons
- Speak in new tongues
- Heal the sick
Read this article for more insight.
Formative Assessments *