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Towards a transformative ministry – Part 1

By Etim Ekong
03 March 2019   |   4:00 am
In this series, we will focus on Christian Ministry. This is the activity by Christians to spread or express their faith. It could be defined as “carrying forth Christ’s mission in the world.” It is performed by all Christians, irrespective of vocation, and by both the lay and the ordained. It is a service to…

Etim Ekong

In this series, we will focus on Christian Ministry. This is the activity by Christians to spread or express their faith.

It could be defined as “carrying forth Christ’s mission in the world.” It is performed by all Christians, irrespective of vocation, and by both the lay and the ordained.

It is a service to God and to other people in His name. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian Ministry.

Christian Ministry could be seen as sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others. It is the embodiment of true love, which can only be found in Christ. Therefore, Christian Ministry is to love God and man.

This Ministry can be summed up in the following statement: “glorify God and serve man by fulfilling the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20).

In the Great Commandment we have: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, you shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law of the prophets” (KJV).

In the Great Commission we have: “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in Earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (KJV).

In Christian Ministry, we have to share the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15).

We must shepherd the people (John 21:16). What we should note here is that if we do not know how to take good care of ourselves, we cannot shepherd the people.

“Therefore take heed to yourself and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” We must also see ourselves as spiritual watchmen.

The task of Church leaders is to help people mature in Christ. However, there must be cooperation among the followers and leaders for a successful Ministry.

Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.

Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” So, the conduct of followers must also give their leaders reason to report joyfully about them.

Christian leaders should know that they are vulnerable to criticism from others, pride (if they succeed), depression (if they fail), and Satan’s constant efforts to destroy their work for God.

There is, therefore, the need for prayers. Teaching of God’s word cannot be over emphasised in Christian Ministry.

“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

It is only when we are convinced of the truth of Christ’s resurrection and have experienced the presence and power of his Holy Spirit that we can have the confidence to speak out for Christ.

Every Christian leader should know that the objective of Ministry is to save as many as possible for the kingdom of God before Christ returns. Christian leaders must see themselves as God’s workmanship (work of art, masterpiece).

To succeed in the Ministry, we must have salvation. Our salvation is something only God can do. It is His powerful, creative work in us.

Contact: mcndioceseofdline@yahoo.com
ekongetim@gmail.com
08073138935

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