Purposeful Ministry
September 29, 2002
Oran FBC
Selected Scriptures
INTRODUCTION: Over the last few weeks we have discovered and examined the purposes of the church. We have learned that churches must evangelize, not only overseas, but also right in their own backyards (Acts 1:8). We have also learned of the importance of prayer and fasting in our church, how vital fellowship is in the life of a church. We have discovered how crucial discipleship is to the healthiness of the church. Also, we have become aware of what a witness that worship is to not only believers, but also non-believers. And finally, today, we will explore the ministry of the church.
1248 diakoni,a diakonia {dee-ak-on-ee’-ah} • from 1249; TDNT - 2:87,152; n f • AV - ministry 16, ministration 6, ministering 3, misc 9; 34 • 1) service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others 2) of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men 2a) of the office of Moses 2b) of the office of the apostles and its administration 2c) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc. 3) the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities 4) the office of the deacon in the church 5) the service of those who prepare and present food
What is ministry? To whom are we to minister? How do we minister? When do we minister? Where do we minister? Easy questions? Yes. Easy answers? Yes.
Ministry is simply the work of God’s people in which God is glorified
Some would say that all ministry work is to be done by the pastor. People say “That is what we hired the preacher for!” No, that is not so. Some would say that it is the role of the deacon. The deacons are the only ones to do ministry work. The pastor and the deacons are to minister, but we are not the only ones who carry that mandate. The membership of the church, the people of the church, is to be the ministers of the church. .
Let’s look at four areas of purposeful ministry and the importance of each and how these constitute a New Testament church, which is full of vitality and notes a healthy church.
I. THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH
A. As each had need
1. Pooled their resources
2. Met each persons needs
3. Gave to meet needs
4. All of this our of love
B. 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
1. More fortunate ones are to help less fortunate ones.
2. Example of Christ
a. Left all for nothing
b. Gave those with nothing everything.
1. Life
2. Health
3. Sight
4. Salvation
3. Gave us everything
C. Churches role to community
1. Carry the gospel
2. Disciple the world
3. Baptize
II. THE ROLE OF THE PASTOR
List some misconceptions
A. Preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)
1. Correction
2. Encouragement
3. Growth
B. Shepherd the Flock (1 Peter 5:1-5)
1. Feed
2. Protect
3. Don’t Lord over them
C. Oversee
D. Equip the Saints (Ephesians 4:11-12)
1. Train
2. Edify – Develop the church and help it grow
a. Spiritually
b. Numerically
3. Lead in faith, unity and knowledge.
III. THE ROLE OF THE DEACON
A. Serve
B. Wait on tables
IV. THE ROLE OF THE MEMBERS
A. Minister to each other
B. Minister to the community
C. Work for the glory of God
D. Gifts of the Spirit
1 Corinthians 7:7
1 Corinthians 12:4
CONCLUSION
The church for so many years has missed out on innumerable opportunities to minister to the needs of others. It has been a place of power struggles, dissent, bigotry, judgment and condemnation, when it needs to be a place where all of the fruits of the Spirit are displayed, not only by the pastor and deacons, but also of all the membership. It should be a place where the truth is taught unapologetically and lovingly. Stern, yet peaceful. Oran FBC has to be the kind of church that God wants it to be, run the way God set it up to be run, governed in His ways, and led by Christ, the Head of the Church, through His Spirit. Let us commit ourselves today to serve the Lord and minister to all who come.
