Episode 26: The Purpose of Ministry

In past episodes we have discussed some the individual ministries in the church. Today we want to look at the purpose of those ministries all working together in harmony under the direction of God. Many times we tend to focus on one particular ministry that we like or think is most important. A common one today is “The Pastor.” While pastors (or elders) are a very important ministry in the local gathering, God does not intend for us to focus on a single ministry but rather allow God to use all of the ministries together to bring us into maturity in Christ. We need everything that God has provided to achieve God’s goals.

• God’s way of maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16)
o To prepare each member for work of ministry
o To bring unity of the faith
o A true knowledge of the Son of God
o A perfect (mature) man
o Fullness of Christ
o No longer children, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine
o Not deceived
o Speaking the truth in love
o Growing up into Christ
o Every joint (relationship) supplying
o Edification in love
• Some specific fruit of ministry
o Christ as Lord of each individual and assembly as a whole
o Spiritual life (manifestation of the Spirit, I Cor. 12:1-11)
o Expression of God’s love—Col. 3:14)
o Maturity (growth in expression of God’s character)
o The expression of the Cross (death to world, sin, law)
o Holiness (expression of God’s nature)
• The importance of ministry functioning together
o No one man (or ministry) can fully express God (I Cor. 12:12-31)
o We “together” are the Body of Christ

A very good discussion of the “work of ministry” in the plan of God:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/ministry/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]