Understanding theology of ministry comes with great importance before having a good practice of ministry. Sounds like prejudicial, but I have come to realize that my struggles in the practice of ministry are caused by our poor understanding (or should I say the lacking) of theology of ministry.
On the other hand, churches that have significant growth in numbers impress small churches to examine their practice of ministry. I wouldn’t think they were just “fortunate” to attract more people within their vicinity. But I would suppose they have understood the how’s in their practice of ministry by answering the why’s of their theology of ministry.
Apparently, the small churches that struggle in ministry are mostly those who have a little understanding of the reason why they are doing what they are doing.
Ministry starts with God and ends with God
The Garden was a perfect habitat that any human being would want to live at. God provided for Adam and Eve everything that they might need in the Garden of Eden. He enjoys caring for them and for being a father to them. In return he requires their faithfulness and their obedience by taking the responsibility as managers over the rest of creation.
Consequently, when they disobeyed God, sin had caused them unworthy to live there anymore. God had to evict them and taught the great lesson that the entire human race had to learn. Despite of what they have done, God showed his love for them when He made garments and clothed them (Gen. 3:21).
But God never stop reaching for the mankind. The promise He swore to Abraham proves his undying love for fallen humanity and it shows his determination to reconcile them back to his loving embrace. The nation Israel was formed as the fulfillment of his promise. God made them his holy nation; and they were shaped according to his will and grace. They were also subject to his precepts, provision, protection, and even punishment.
Unfortunately, the Israelites have failed to live in accordance with the Law of Moses and they would be chastised for adultery and idolatry. Because of their failure as nation to model his redemptive plan of salvation, God sent his beloved son Jesus Christ to redeem the human race. Jesus is the perfect model of a holy and righteous man ever lived and the perfect sacrifice once for all (Heb. 10:1, 14). Salvation is made possible for those who will believe in his name “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Tit. 2:11)”.
Ministry brings glory to God
Jesus’ ministry turned the Jewish world upside down. He had two profound messages that shook their world: love God and love the people (Mk. 29:30-31). Jesus’ ultimate goal is to glorify his Father who sent him. He never failed to model the greatest commandments in his entire ministry life, even until his death on the cross.
Through his ministries of preaching, teaching, exorcism, healing the sick, discipleship and feeding the hungry; he acted out all of these out of his love for people. He also taught everything to His disciples and commanded them to do the same. History shows that the disciples’ faith and ministry had caused them a fatal death.
Therefore, our ministry must glorify no one but God; neither the minister himself nor the organization itself!
Ministry is motivated by love, governed by selflessness, and carried through obedience
The ideal ministry focuses on specific need of people. But this need-based ministry requires special people and complete resources and can also be far beyond the reality of life. We live in this fallen world and the fact of life tells us to do ministry in a practical way.
Ministry must be motivated by our love for people, governed by our selflessness and carried through obedience to the will of God.
This motivation of loving people will release us from being judgmental but will push us further to demonstrate the grace of God. We will become more effective in ministry as we draw closer to the hearts of people we are ministering to. We need to think less of ourselves but more of others. People must be our priority.
Any ministry that is self-centered prevents God from manifesting his power. On the other hand, as we obey the will of God, it keeps us discern and respond to the pressing needs of people right on time.
Ministry encompasses the ultimate purposes of the church
Rick Warren lists down the five ultimate purposes of the church: Fellowship, Discipleship, Worship, Ministry, and Evangelism and Mission. But I believe the Christian ministry must include fellowship, discipleship, worship and evangelism. Every minister must seek out to fulfill these purposes in his or her ministry whether the people are believers or unbelievers of Christ.
Ministry is dynamic, not static
Ministry may come to its tragic fall if the ministers had stopped learning. The fact that we are dealing with living human beings makes it difficult to keep up to their constantly changing environment and life situations.
The passing of time is also a great factor for ministry. Methods that could be effective a decade ago may no longer be applicable to the present condition of our people. It requires humility to accept this sad truth.
Another truth is that some people are afraid of change. But I think our right attitude for change is what makes the church vibrantly alive. If we keep on developing new strategy we can leave a lasting impact to the lives of people. We must accept reality that the church is not static, constant or a classic organization but it is a dynamic, changing, and contemporary living organism.
A dynamic ministry is governed by resilient ministers who can positively adapt to changing situations and emerging circumstances of mankind and the society.
Ministry induces transformation
Every Christian minister must know that he or she represents Christ to the people and the ministry must radiate the Lord’s glory. This kind of ministry induces transformation first for the minister, next to the people.
Christian ministry is the church strategy of drawing people to God. In fact our genuine love for them attracts them to Christ. It is important for the minister to be sensitive and supportive to the movement of the Spirit. People do not flourish in ministry that is managed by a manipulative leader.
Every minister must be aware of the Spirit of God that is at work with him or her. It must be our objective that the ministry leaves a room for people to experience the power of God in a dramatic way. Apart from this encounter, we could be easily discouraged for not seeing the tangible transformed lives of people.
Finishing Well
One of my dreams is to experience traveling as much as I can and to reach significant places that I’ve never been before. I enjoy watching the nature’s beauty and views that I can spot on from where I’m at along the journey. I’m always reminded how intelligent and creative its Creator must be. Along the way we can encounter obstacles like delay, or detour, but the thrill of getting into our destination keeps the spirit alive and going. It’s worth everything and the journey gives a sense of fulfillment.
Our life is also a journey and we are but pilgrims. But unlike the adventure of traveling from place to place, we must understand that this pilgrimage is heading to eternal destiny. In fact, how we live our life on earth is our way of preparing for eternity. Death is just a demarcation, not a final destination. There is no better option but to live a life in light of eternity; to leave a legacy with eternal significance.
Paul depended himself against those who tried to discredit him in a manner that reflects his unwavering perspective towards his life and ministry.
"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:26, 27)
He knows exactly his purpose, philosophy, mission, and goals. He is truly a servant of Christ!
Understanding this perspective leads me to a purposeful living and a life that has meaning. Though life is not simple and ministry is not easy, I know God is at work within me and through me. He is transforming me into the likeness of his son Jesus Christ while he is also partnering with me in ministry.
As a pilgrim who takes up his own cross daily, I am determined not to give up along the way. Neither will I be afraid of death nor will I be stopped by obstacles. I have drawn a reason to live and a motivation to serve. I will continue to live a life in God’s perspective and to serve him in godly ways. I will finish this race- and to finish it well!
Our life is also a journey and we are but pilgrims. But unlike the adventure of traveling from place to place, we must understand that this pilgrimage is heading to eternal destiny. In fact, how we live our life on earth is our way of preparing for eternity. Death is just a demarcation, not a final destination. There is no better option but to live a life in light of eternity; to leave a legacy with eternal significance.
Paul depended himself against those who tried to discredit him in a manner that reflects his unwavering perspective towards his life and ministry.
"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:26, 27)
He knows exactly his purpose, philosophy, mission, and goals. He is truly a servant of Christ!
Understanding this perspective leads me to a purposeful living and a life that has meaning. Though life is not simple and ministry is not easy, I know God is at work within me and through me. He is transforming me into the likeness of his son Jesus Christ while he is also partnering with me in ministry.
As a pilgrim who takes up his own cross daily, I am determined not to give up along the way. Neither will I be afraid of death nor will I be stopped by obstacles. I have drawn a reason to live and a motivation to serve. I will continue to live a life in God’s perspective and to serve him in godly ways. I will finish this race- and to finish it well!
Growing old in a mature religion
It didn’t happen to me having a Christian grandfather in both sides of my parents. Had they been Christ’s followers, I could have figured out a pattern in living life and doing ministry. It would have been a great privilege to examine their walk in Christ and ministry perspective that they have developed over time.
There’s a lot of wisdom from older people; enough to learn from their successes as much as necessary to warn us from their failures. We’ve seen great ministers who lived their lives worthy of their calling as well as those who have fallen from the grace of God. It is my prayer that as I grow older, my relationship with God goes deeper. I will separate myself from the world to be holy and righteous for the sake of his cause.
History reveals that the Church of Christ had gone through a painful journey towards maturity. Church dogmas and piety became the way of life of our ancient brethren. We’ve unearthed the fossils of their struggles and the remnants of their successes. Pious people died on orthodoxy while heretics suffered a fatal death for their defiance. The 21st century Christians would say, each has a valid point. To some extent, they have revolutionized our theology and approach in ministry. Christianity is a maturing religion and Christians are maturing in Christ.
I couldn’t help but think how the next generations will interpret our spirituality. In the meantime, I will borrow the psalmist’s prayer:
"Show me, O LORD, my life’s end
and gather the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life." (Psalm 39:4)
Only God knows when I will fail and when I will succeed. He knows my thoughts before I even think about it. I cannot for sure be certain of what’s going to happen to my life in the future. But one thing I know, I have only one life to live; and a legacy to leave. I will continually trust him and surrender to his lordship.
When I look back someday, I will see someone who has loved God and touched people’s lives and a servant who has suffered in the name of King and for the sake of his kingdom. More importantly, I want to be remembered as someone who has grown like Christ through the years and in all circumstances. I look forward to a day when God will finally say, “well done my good and faithful servant”. I am committed to grow up as I grow older everyday in every aspect of my life in any circumstances I had to live.
There’s a lot of wisdom from older people; enough to learn from their successes as much as necessary to warn us from their failures. We’ve seen great ministers who lived their lives worthy of their calling as well as those who have fallen from the grace of God. It is my prayer that as I grow older, my relationship with God goes deeper. I will separate myself from the world to be holy and righteous for the sake of his cause.
History reveals that the Church of Christ had gone through a painful journey towards maturity. Church dogmas and piety became the way of life of our ancient brethren. We’ve unearthed the fossils of their struggles and the remnants of their successes. Pious people died on orthodoxy while heretics suffered a fatal death for their defiance. The 21st century Christians would say, each has a valid point. To some extent, they have revolutionized our theology and approach in ministry. Christianity is a maturing religion and Christians are maturing in Christ.
I couldn’t help but think how the next generations will interpret our spirituality. In the meantime, I will borrow the psalmist’s prayer:
"Show me, O LORD, my life’s end
and gather the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life." (Psalm 39:4)
Only God knows when I will fail and when I will succeed. He knows my thoughts before I even think about it. I cannot for sure be certain of what’s going to happen to my life in the future. But one thing I know, I have only one life to live; and a legacy to leave. I will continually trust him and surrender to his lordship.
When I look back someday, I will see someone who has loved God and touched people’s lives and a servant who has suffered in the name of King and for the sake of his kingdom. More importantly, I want to be remembered as someone who has grown like Christ through the years and in all circumstances. I look forward to a day when God will finally say, “well done my good and faithful servant”. I am committed to grow up as I grow older everyday in every aspect of my life in any circumstances I had to live.
The Maelstrom of the Midlife Crisis
Adolescence is one of the critical stages in teenage development. It is a transition period from childhood to maturity that greatly affects the behavior of the youth. Hormonal imbalance produces a certain odd feeling and those who have struggled tend to be disoriented. Though I was not aware then, I was becoming irritable when passing through this stage. I could also recall that some of my contemporaries, not to mention my two brothers, have gone astray during this period. Perhaps my Christian values have helped me surpass this confusing stage positively.
But there is another challenge along the way, and certainly I’m heading that direction- the midlife crisis. Instead of allowing fear cloud the passageway, I have enough time to prepare for this spiritual journey. It is a great privilege that at this early stage I have become aware about this distant hump because, as youth pastor in one way or another, it will affect how I drive my ministry.
At certain point, the company of spouse, ministry partner, accountability group, prayer partner, etc. could be indispensable, but the holy presence of the Father will sustain us through. I am confident that as I abide in Him he will abide in me. I take advantage of this formative season to strengthen my faith and develop intimate relationship with God.
It is also my hope that as I continue to struggle in becoming like Christ, the Spirit of God will comfort me and convict me to completely surrender before the Lordship of Christ. Jesus has triumphed death and was resurrected to life, and I know I will overcome that stage and will stand out in victory.
“The lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
(Psalm 9:9-10)
But there is another challenge along the way, and certainly I’m heading that direction- the midlife crisis. Instead of allowing fear cloud the passageway, I have enough time to prepare for this spiritual journey. It is a great privilege that at this early stage I have become aware about this distant hump because, as youth pastor in one way or another, it will affect how I drive my ministry.
At certain point, the company of spouse, ministry partner, accountability group, prayer partner, etc. could be indispensable, but the holy presence of the Father will sustain us through. I am confident that as I abide in Him he will abide in me. I take advantage of this formative season to strengthen my faith and develop intimate relationship with God.
It is also my hope that as I continue to struggle in becoming like Christ, the Spirit of God will comfort me and convict me to completely surrender before the Lordship of Christ. Jesus has triumphed death and was resurrected to life, and I know I will overcome that stage and will stand out in victory.
“The lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
(Psalm 9:9-10)
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