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The definition of
ministry
according to the Dictionary:
- The act of serving; ministration.
- One that serves as a means; an instrumentality.
The profession, duties, and services of a minister.
- The period of service of a minister.
- The building in which such a department is
housed.
- The duties, functions, or term of a governmental
minister.
Ministry - from the Greek word "diakoneo",
meaning "to serve" or douleuo, meaning "to serve as a slave."
- to be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon
- to minister to one, render ministering offices to
- to be served, ministered unto
- to minister i.e. supply food and necessities of life
- to relieve one's necessities (e.g. by collecting alms), to provide
- take care of, distribute, the things necessary to sustain life
- to minister
- to attend to anything, that may serve another's interests
- to minister a thing to one, to serve one or by supplying anything
Go Ye Therefore |
Throughout the world people come to
the realization that Jesus is their personal Lord and
Savior. With this acceptance of Jesus, we develop the
desire to study the Bible and learn more about him. As
with anything, maturity becomes a factor, and we start
to develop our own personal relation with our Savior.
Now we start to hear the word "Ministry" more and more;
But what is a Ministry, is it just the building that we
commune in every Sunday, or is it much more.
"Ministry" my fellow Christian, is much more:
- it is your personal outreach
- It is your personal service to others
- it is you playing your part, to assist the Body of Christ
in growing.
- it is you being an example to others
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In Matthew 28:18-20
we received what has become known as "The Great Commission".
With this verse, Jesus has sent us out into the world to be his
representative. The main line in this verse is "go therefore and
make disciples. The Great Commission did not include the
following lines:
- Go home and watch ESPN
- Go home and let everybody else do
the work
- Go sit in church and watch others
participate
It seem odd that as
parents we will join the PTA, to be a big part of of
our child's education; and we participate every chance possible.
But when it comes to church, we just want to be spectators and
watch everybody else. But isn't church a part of your own
personal growth and education.
In Acts 1:21-25, The Apostles were looking to replace
Judas; The Apostles prayed to the Lord for guidance to which of
the candidates should "take part in the ministry".
Now let us look at examples of different kinds of
Ministries:
| Bible Teacher, Bible Studies |
2 Timothy 1:11
Bible Studies, Sunday School Teacher:
- One who teaches the word of God to others
- One who instructs others
in religion; a preacher; a minister of the gospel;
sometimes, one who preaches without regular ordination.
2 Timothy 2:15
tells us that we have to prepare ourselves by studying
the word of God. |
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Caring, baby sitting, teaching - taking care of the
children in a church or out of church, is a very
important ministry. Children are not only our future,
but they are the future of Christianity. If we do not
get involved, not only with our own children, but caring
and leading other children to Christ then ask
yourselves, "Who will"?
I have seen many churches ignore the needs of the
children within its own walls, because everybody is so
involved in their own agendas.
Luke 9:46-48 states to receive all children in the great
name of Jesus.
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Counseling - The definition from the dictionary is =
professional guidance in resolving personal conflicts
and emotional problems.
How does this apply to Christianity? Well God has given
us Spiritual Gifts, and some he has given the gift to
counsel our brothers and sisters in Christ. Now many may
think that this should only be handled by the Pastor, or
other leaders of the Church, but God has also given this
gift to others. Proverbs 19:20 |
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1 Corinthians 14:14-17 - Many
church services begin with music, rather we are in the
congregation singing along or in the choir, we love the
music. So is this truly a "Ministry"? Yes it is, we are
all moved by the music and our spirits are lifted up. We
may enter feeling down, but the music begins the healing
and the word of God reinforces the healing.
Music is also a spiritual gift which God has given to
many of the saints. |
James 5:15-16 - How important is a
prayer ministry? Let's take a look at the meaning of
prayer from the dictionary.
- a devout petition to God or an object of worship.
- a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.
We all have people in our lives
who do not believe, are sick and bed ridden, in comas,
and cases which either they cannot or will not pray for
themselves. So is a prayer ministry important, most
definitely. You cannot tell me that if you were one of
these cases, you would not want someone to pray for you.
Prayer is foremost communicating with God, but prayer is
presenting a petition to God on behalf of others. We are
very willing to take our own petitions to God for
situations in our lives, so we should be eager to go to
God with petitions on behalf of others. |
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There are many other forms of
ministries such as:
- Administration
- Communications
- Discipleship
- Evangelism
- Family Ministry
- Food services Ministry
- Hosting Team
- Hospitality
- Leadership Training
- Mercy Ministry
- Men's Ministry
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- Mentoring
- Ministry to Pastor
- Mission Builders
- Prison Ministry
- Prostitution Recovery
- Radio Ministry
- Short-term coordinator
- Student/Youth Work
- Women's Ministry
- Web (Computer & Internet)
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Yes even cleaning the church is a ministry.
Now is there any one ministry that is not important? The
answer is NO! We are called the "Body of Christ", and
just like all parts of the body are important, so are
all Christians and all Ministries. Maybe there are some
ministries that create more results, or effect people in
a very meaningful way, but all ministries are very
important. Now back to the original question, What is
your Ministry? We all need to pray and let God lead us on our
personal relationship with him, and guide us to perform
the ministry which he has for us. Rather it be in
janitorial services in the church or Leadership of a
church. Romans 12:6-8
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