When the Bible talks about "ministry,'' what is it talking about? When it says that Christians are to be involved in "works of ministry,'' what does it mean?
This paper examines the concept of ministry by seeing how the biblical writers were inspired to use the words for ministry.
You may find that some of this word study is boring, but it nevertheless helps us understand a little better what we as Christians are to be doing in the church and in the world.
Some of the words, although Greek, are not completely foreign to us. For example, our English word "deacon" is related to the Greek word diakonia, which is sometimes translated "ministry." The English word "liturgy" comes from leitourgia, which can also be translated "ministry.''
The word diakonia is used to describe the "ministry of the word'' (Acts 6:4), the "ministry of the Spirit'' (2 Cor. 3:8) and the "ministry of reconciliation'' (2 Cor. 5:18). Leitourgia is used to describe the ministry that Jesus has received as our High Priest (Heb. 8:6).
Similar Greek words can also be used for ministry, ministers and ministering. The Corinthian Christians were a result of Paul's ministry (diakoneo), and Paul considered himself a "minister [leitourgos] of Christ Jesus'' (2 Cor. 3:3; Rom. 15:16).
We can learn much about ministry by seeing how the New Testament uses these words and other words with similar meaning. These give us the tone or flavor of New Testament ministry. We will see that every Christian has a ministry.
Diakonos is a noun meaning "a person who serves.'' We get the English word "deacon'' from it, because in Phil. 1:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8-13 it denotes an office in the church. But almost everywhere else, the word is used in a more general sense. It actually refers to apostles, preachers and lay members more often than it does to deacons.
The general sense of the word is "assistant.'' It indicates not just work in general, but work that benefits someone else.
Paul used the word diakonos to describe himself as a servant of the Lord (1 Cor. 3:5), a servant of God (2 Cor. 6:4), a servant of the new covenant (2 Cor. 3:6), a servant of the gospel (Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:23) and a servant of the church (verse 25).
Paul noted that many of his co-workers were also servants: the woman Phoebe (Rom. 16:1) and the men Tychicus (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7), Timothy (1 Tim. 4:6) and Epaphras (Col. 1:7). Jesus said that his followers should be servants (Matt. 20:26; 23:11; John 12:26).
All Christians must do the work of a deacon. We are all deacons of Christ, deacons of his message and deacons of one another.
Diakoneo is the verb form of diakonos; it means "serve.'' The most specific meaning of diakoneo is to work with food to serve other people. Martha "served'' at a dinner (John 12:2; Luke 10:40). Jesus told parables about servants who were expected to prepare food and serve their masters (Luke 17:8; 22:27). In the early church, seven men were chosen "to wait on tables'' (Acts 6:2-3).
Diakoneo can refer to more general types of service, too. Jesus served his disciples (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). Jesus' disciples should also serve (Luke 22:27; John 12:26). When we serve others, we are showing love to God (Heb. 6:10)--a point also made in the parable of sheep and goats. This parable shows that serving can include not only supplying food and drink, but also clothing and other needs (Matt. 25:44).
Men served Paul in prison (Philemon 13; 2 Tim. 1:18). Serving can include financial assistance: Several women served Jesus from their own possessions (Luke 8:3). Paul collected an offering (probably both food and money) to serve the saints in Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25).
Diakoneo often means manual labor, but service to others can also be done through speaking. When Jesus said that he served his disciples, he included his teaching. The gospel is included when Paul says that the Corinthian church was a result of his serving (2 Cor. 3:3).
1 Peter 4:10-11 uses the word in both a general sense and then in a more specific sense: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides.''
Everyone should serve (in a general sense), but each serves in a different way--some serve by speaking and some serve by manual labor. It is this latter type of service that apparently forms the core of the office of deacon (1 Tim. 3:10, 13).
No matter what type of serving is done, it should be done with the strength God provides, so that he gets the praise and glory (1 Pet. 4:11).
Diakonia is another word in the diakonos family. It denotes the result of serving--"service'' or "ministry.'' Again, it may be used both for secular and religious work. It is translated in a variety of ways.
Martha was busy with dinner "preparation'' (Luke 10:40). In the early church, there was a daily "distribution'' of food for widows (Acts 6:1). Famine relief was also called a ministry (Acts 11:29; 12:25; Rom. 15:31; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1, 12-13). When Macedonian believers supported Paul, it was a ministry to him (2 Cor. 11:8).
Diakonia is often used to refer to a spiritual ministry. The apostles had a "ministry of the word'' (Acts 6:4). Paul said that his ministry was "the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace'' (Acts 20:24). Paul's message of reconciliation was his ministry (2 Cor. 5:18). The new covenant is a "ministry that brings righteousness'' (2 Cor. 3:8-9).
All members are encouraged to have a ministry. Church leaders exist "to prepare God's people for works of service'' (Eph. 4:12)-- "to equip the saints for the work of ministry'' (NRSV).
There are different kinds of ministry (1 Cor. 12:5), but they should all be used "for the common good'' (verse 7). Those who have been given a gift of (manual) ministry should use that gift (Rom. 12:7). Those who have other gifts should likewise use them to serve others (1 Pet. 4:10).
Paul frequently called himself a doulos--a slave or servant of Jesus Christ. In Jewish society, a doulos was usually a servant. In Greek society, he was usually a slave. However, this type of service is not restricted to slaves and apostles--it is commanded for all Christians. This is another description of our ministry.
Christ himself took on the nature of a servant (Phil. 2:7), and he quoted the proverb, "No servant is greater than his master'' (Matt. 10:24-25; John 15:20-21). Since our Master served as a servant, shouldn't we also be servants? In Christianity, greatness is measured by service. "Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all'' (Matt. 20:27; Mark 10:44).
Numerous people were called slave-servants of God: Moses, Simeon, Mary, Paul, Timothy, Silas, Luke, Epaphras, Tychicus, Peter, John, James and Jude. All of God's people are commanded to be servants (1 Pet. 2:16). Servitude is part of what it means to be a Christian. Many of Jesus' parables included servants; these parables have extra meaning for Christians, the servants of Christ.
Doulos also has metaphorical uses--sinners are slaves of whatever has power over them (2 Pet. 2:19). Christ frees us from the slavery of the fear of death (Heb. 2:15). He frees us from the slavery of sin (John 8:34; Rom. 6:16-20) by redeeming us, purchasing us with his own blood. He frees us from "the yoke of slavery'' (Gal. 5:1) so that we may serve him in the new way of the Spirit (Rom. 7:6). We become slaves to obedience, slaves to righteousness (Rom. 6:16-22).
Christians are "slaves of Christ'' (1 Cor. 7:22; Eph. 6:6). We are all admonished to serve the Lord (Rom. 12:11; 14:18; 1 Thess. 1:9), and one of the primary responsibilities our Lord and Master gives us is to serve one another in love (Gal. 5:13). As slaves of Christ and slaves of one another, we serve one another by using the gifts God gives us--see the box on left.
Paul calls us slaves, but he also says that we are not slaves (Gal. 4:7). So in some ways we are like slaves, but in other ways we are not. With respect to obedience, our obligation to Christ is like that of a slave--we are to obey. But with respect to reward, we are much better than slaves. "As long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave.... You are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir'' (Gal. 4:1, 7).
"A slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever'' (John 8:35). "I no longer call you servants.... Instead, I have called you friends'' (John 15:15).
Some Greek words for service also mean worship. Latreia and latreuo denote religious service or worship. (We see the root word latr- in the English word idolatry.) The NIV uses "serve'' and "worship'' almost interchangeably for these words. Worship was done at the temple (Luke 2:37; Acts 7:7; Rom. 9:4; Heb. 8:5; 9:1, 6, 9; 10:2; 13:10). In Revelation, the saints "serve'' God in his heavenly temple (Rev. 7:15) and will "serve'' him always (Rev. 22:3).
Christ has cleansed us so that we may "serve'' God (Heb. 9:14). We are exhorted to "worship'' God (Heb. 12:28). Christians "worship'' by the Spirit of God (Phil. 3:3). Paul exhorts us to be living sacrifices, which is our "reasonable service'' (KJV), a "spiritual act of worship'' (Rom. 12:1, NIV). Our service to God is not centered on a temple, but is done wherever we are.
Leitourg words come from the Greek words laos (people) and ergon (work). They originally referred to a public service or a public servant, but they eventually came to refer specifically to religious service and worship. We get the English word liturgy from these Greek words.
This was the type of service Jewish priests performed (Luke 1:23; Heb. 10:11; 9:21). This religious service is now done by Jesus, our High Priest (Heb. 8:2, 6). In the context of priests and sacrifices, Paul said that he was a "minister'' of Jesus Christ (Rom. 15:16).
A practical service such as famine relief could be called a leitourgia (Rom. 15:27; 2 Cor. 9:12). By using a leitourg- word, Paul was reminding his readers that this seemingly ordinary service to the saints was actually an act of worship, a religious activity. All Christians can perform religious service (Acts 13:2; Phil. 2:17).
We see a progression in the way the worship words are used. In the old covenant, God required the Israelites to serve him through a priesthood, a sacrificial system and a temple. In the new covenant, all Christians worship God through spiritual sacrifices, and we all serve God in the Spirit. The ministry of worship has been given to all the people.
This is one reason the 16th-century reformers taught "the priesthood of all believers.'' Jesus Christ is the High Priest, and all Christians are priests (1 Pet. 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6). Every Christian can enter the heavenly Holy of holies because of the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:19). Christians offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2:5; Rom. 12:1). We also have the priestly duty of interceding for one another in prayers and in practical action.
The reformers also noted that Christians serve God through their secular work--their vocation or "calling''--as well as through their involvement in the church. A person who grows food is providing a service to society; a person who works in a factory or teaches school does, too. Christian homemakers and government employees are also serving others.
"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God'' (1 Cor. 10:31). All work--in the home, in the store, in the car and in the office--is an act of worship to God. We are his slaves--full-time ministers in his service. Summary: The New Testament says the same thing in many different ways: Christians are commanded to serve one another. None of the words for service or ministry is restricted to the ordained clergy.
All members are enslaved to one another. We all have obligations to one another. Whether our service is in word or in deed, it is a religious duty for all Christians. Whether we are ordained or not, we are all called to serve the Lord by serving one another.
As slave-servants, we are ministering to one another, to the church, to the gospel and to the Lord. God has given each of us a ministry. We should minister to one another's needs. God has given us abilities so that we will use them to serve others. All Christians--whether women, men, deacons or elders--are called to be ministers.
The Greek word allelon gives us a helpful introduction to the ways in which Christians should serve each other, because this Greek word means "one another'' or "each other.'' It is often used to describe our mutual obligations--the responsibility that all members have toward one another.
Perhaps the most comprehensive command Jesus gave was the well-known "Love one another'' (John 13:34). "As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another'' (verses 34-35).
This command is such a fundamental statement of our Christian duty that it is given again in John 15:12, 17; Rom. 13:8; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12; and 2 John 5. This is the attitude in which we must always interact with one another.
Paul developed the command a little further: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves'' (Rom. 12:10). "Serve one another in love'' (Gal. 5:13). He prayed that the Lord would help the Thessalonians' love to increase not only for each other, but that their love would also increase for everyone else (1 Thess. 3:12). "Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'' (1 Thess. 5:15). In his second letter to the Thessalonians, he thanked God that their mutual love was indeed increasing (2 Thess. 1:3).
In Christ, we belong to each other and form one body (Rom. 12:5). We are members of one another (Eph. 4:25). "We have fellowship with one another'' (1 John 1:7). Paul prayed that the Roman Christians would have "a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus'' (Rom. 15:5). To avoid division in the body, Paul wanted members to "have equal concern for each other'' (1 Cor. 12:25). "Offer hospitality to one another'' (1 Pet. 4:9).
We see further development of the command in the words of Jesus: "Be at peace with each other'' (Mark 9:50). Paul put it this way: "Live in peace with each other'' (1 Thess. 5:13).* "Live in harmony with one another'' (Rom. 12:16). Paul shows how this is done: "Do not be conceited'' (same verse). "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love'' (Eph. 4:2). "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider [each other] better than yourselves'' (Phil. 2:3). "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another'' (1 Pet. 5:5.)
"Stop passing judgment on one another,'' Paul writes (Rom. 14:13). "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you'' (Rom. 15:7). "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you'' (Col. 3:13). "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you'' (Eph. 4:32). "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other'' (Jas. 5:16).
"Serve one another,'' Paul wrote (Gal. 5:13). Peter gives the same point: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others'' (1 Pet. 4:10).* Jesus had given the same lesson when he told his disciples to "wash one another's feet'' (John 13:14). "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ'' (Eph. 5:21). "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ'' (Gal. 6:2).
Paul wanted the Roman Christians and himself to be "mutually encouraged by each other's faith'' (Rom. 1:12). One purpose of our weekly meetings is to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds ... encourage one another'' (Heb. 10:24-25). "Encourage one another daily'' (Heb. 3:13).* "Encourage one another and build each other up'' (1 Thess. 4:18; 5:11). "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith'' (Jude 20).*
Paul wanted "mutual edification'' (Rom. 14:19). "Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs'' (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19).* Paul was confident that the Romans could "instruct one another'' (Rom. 15:14).
These are some of the ways in which Christians, as servants of Jesus Christ, minister to one another. Now, let's see what lay members actually did in the first-century church.
*In these verses, the pronoun is heautou instead of allelon.
(*This section is an edited version of "Lay Members' Role in the Early Church," by Donald L. Jackson, Reviews You Can Use, Nov.- Dec. 1992, pp. 3-6)
Acts 2 describes the setting: God-fearing Jews from various nations had gathered in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit filled the apostles and other disciples, and they spoke in tongues. Although the pilgrims came from 15 territories--north, south, east and west--each traveler heard his or her own native language.
After Peter spoke, 3,000 baptisms took place that day (Acts 2:41). The church continued to grow rapidly (verse 47).
What happened to these people? Where did they go? What is their legacy? We know of Peter, John and Paul. Stephen's strength in martyrdom inspires us; Philip's faith encourages us. What of the other members?
Every great work finds support in a group of people with a shared vision. The church is no different. Thousands of members supported Peter, John, Paul and other leaders. The mission of all these dedicated people was to preach redemption through Jesus Christ beginning in Jerusalem and extending to the whole world.
Heroic literature seldom mentions the commoner standing side-by-side with the hero. However, God's Word records the faith, courage, dedication and work of many members of the early church. Their lives are inspiring examples of personal evangelism. They helped spread the gospel.
These faithful members of 19 centuries ago inspire us in our work today. There were no booklets, articles or fanfare. But there was faith, the Holy Spirit, love for others and a vision of a new life. The ordinary members made a difference in their society for the kingdom of God.
Let's look at what some of them did.
On the Day of Pentecost, people from many different lands became disciples of Jesus Christ. As the church grew, some of the Jewish leaders caused a persecution. After Stephen's martyrdom, members fled, but they did not remain silent. "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went'' (Acts 8:4). They were fruitful.
In Acts 11:19-21, we see the result of their faithfulness: "Those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
"The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."
Despite persecution, these believers--probably thousands of them--bravely and faithfully taught the word given them. In the deep conviction of their faith and inspired by the Holy Spirit, they preached the gospel (the Greek word in verse 20 is euangelizomai). Many people responded to their teaching and believed in Jesus Christ.
Some of these brethren may have been the 70 or 72 that Christ had commissioned earlier (Luke 10:1), but most were probably lay members. That's why the Jerusalem church needed to send Barnabas to minister to the new believers (Acts 11:22-23).
In at least one instance, Jesus specifically instructed someone other than the apostles to tell people what Jesus had done. After casting a legion of demons out of a man who lived on the southeast side of the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:26-37), the man begged for permission to travel with Jesus (verse 38). Jesus replied, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you.''
The man did more than Jesus had asked: "The man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him'' (verse 39). "And all the people were amazed'' (Mark 5:20). Later, Christ toured the area of the Decapolis. People brought a man to him for healing (Mark 7:31-32). Perhaps the witness of the healed demoniac helped the people respond to Jesus.
Similarly, the Samaritan woman told her people about Jesus (John 4:28-29). "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony'' (verse 39).
Paul refers to the staying power of some early converts in Romans 16:7. He says Andronicus and Junias "were in Christ before I was.'' They were probably some of the Roman Jews converted on the Day of Pentecost. Paul also mentions Epenetus, "who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia'' (verse 5). Acts 2:9 mentions people from Asia in Jerusalem for Pentecost.
As we follow the church's growth after Pentecost, many brethren of the earliest era of the church leave a remarkable legacy. Philip, a leader of the Greek-speaking Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5-6), went to Samaria (Acts 8:5-8), perhaps fleeing Saul's persecutions (verses 3-4). There he preached the gospel, as other scattered members did elsewhere.
The intensity of his speaking and the power of the Holy Spirit were followed by miracles. "When they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women'' (verse 12).
Later, Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to witness to an Ethiopian (verses 26-40). He explained "the good news about Jesus'' (verse 35), and he baptized the Ethiopian. Was Philip an ordained minister at this time? The book of Acts doesn't say. Luke didn't think it important to indicate whether he was or not.
Many years later, Philip was an evangelist in Caesarea, and his four daughters had the gift of prophecy (Acts 21:8).
Acts 9 records the important role of another member, Ananias. All Judea and the surrounding regions knew of Saul's severe persecutions of the church. While on the way to Damascus, Saul lost his eyesight during a miraculous intervention. In response to a vision (Acts 9:10), Ananias sought out and baptized the chief persecutor, Saul of Tarsus.
We know little of Ananias except that he "was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews'' (Acts 22:12). Consider the faith and courage required of Ananias. So terrible was Paul's reputation that even the Jerusalem disciples, veterans of many persecutions, feared to meet Paul when he later attempted to join them (Acts 9:26).
Knowing Paul's reputation and authority to inflict terror, Ananias asked the Lord if this was the right man (verses 13-14). Assured by Jesus in vision that Paul was indeed the chosen individual, Ananias went into the house.
Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord-- Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. (verses 17-18)
In Damascus, in a little-known Christian community, Ananias, a member of whom we know little, baptized the New Testament figure of whom we know much, the apostle Paul. In spite of Saul's persecutions, Ananias acted, and God recorded his faith as an example for us. Faith and courage aren't confined to ministers; they are found in lay members, too.
God also records the courage and faithful witness of many women. They bravely stood not only religious persecution, but also risked social ostracism.
Cenchrea was a city east of Corinth. From there, Phoebe helped Paul minister to the Roman church. While Paul prepared for his journey to Jerusalem, Phoebe had business in Rome. Paul commends her to the Roman church (Rom. 16:1-2) as one who showed generosity and hospitality to many.
F.C. Conybeare postulates her as a widow (The Life and Epistles of St. Paul, page 497). Greek manners and customs would not allow a married or single woman to be so prominent. An ancient subscription to the book of Romans states that Phoebe carried the epistle by hand.
Philippi was a city of Macedonia north of Greece. Since no synagogue existed in this city (Conybeare, page 226), devout Jews would seek a "place of prayer'' (Acts 16:13). Usually this was outside the city near running water, perhaps because it was peaceful. The group at Philippi was composed primarily of women.
Among these women was Lydia, a businesswoman from Thyatira. God moved in her life, opening her heart (verse 14). Paul baptized not only her, but also her whole household (verse 15); she seems to have been the dominant individual in her home. Her first work after baptism was an act of hospitality. She opened her home to Paul and his companions. Later, after his release from prison, Paul returned to her home to encourage the members before leaving the area (verse 40).
The letter to the Philippians expresses thanks and joy for continued support by the brethren of Philippi. Lydia, a founding member, set an excellent example for that church. She was a spiritual leader.
Paul mentions Lois and Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5), Timothy's grandmother and mother. Timothy, who had a non-Jewish father, lived in Lystra when he first met Paul (Acts 16:1). Paul referred to the sincere faith of the women (2 Tim. 1:5). They were spiritual leaders in their family.
Paul had first-hand knowledge of their faith. He came to Lystra, in Galatia, on his first journey. There, after a miraculous healing (Acts 14:8-10), the residents declared Paul and Barnabas to be gods. But Paul was eventually stoned and left for dead. "After the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city'' (verses 19-20).
The disciples probably included Timothy and his family (2 Tim. 3:10-11). Living in an area of intense persecution demands sincere faith. Lois and Eunice had that faith and instilled it in Timothy.
In Phil. 4:2-3, Paul acknowledges Euodia and Syntyche. Though these women were having a personal disagreement, Paul recalls "these women have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers.'' Though Paul was clearly greater in authority, he treated his spiritual brothers and sisters respectfully, as equals. They worked together to spread the gospel.
One of the most significant couples mentioned is "a Jew named Aquila ... with his wife Priscilla'' (Acts 18:2). They lived in Corinth after being expelled from Rome by the Emperor Claudius. Paul went to see them and stayed and worked with them in Corinth. There is no mention of conversion; they were probably already Christians when Paul met them.
Their contribution to the New Testament church is important. Not only were they in Corinth, but they were also in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-26; 2 Tim. 4:19) and in Rome (Rom. 16:3). They were probably wealthy. The church in Corinth met in their house (1 Cor. 16:19). So did a church in Rome (Rom. 16:5).
Paul remarks that Priscilla and Aquila were his fellow-workers. "They risked their lives for me'' (Rom. 16:3-4). They went with Paul on his journey from Corinth to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). They helped Paul with physical and spiritual support.
In Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila worked with Apollos, an eloquent and zealous man, and "they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately'' Acts 18:26). Were they ordained, or were they lay members? Luke doesn't tell us. Service like this can be done by members whether or not they are ordained.
Many other faithful members are mentioned in the New Testament. Throughout the centuries, many have dedicated their lives and wealth to the proclamation of the name of Jesus Christ.
It is the same Jesus Christ and the same Holy Spirit guiding the church today. It is the same message: salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the same zeal. It is the same God who will not forget the sacrifices we may make. "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them'' (Heb. 6:10).
The book of Acts shows us that various members were instrumental in spreading the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. Some of the people mentioned in this article may have been ordained ministers, but others were probably not. All members can help spread the gospel.
Lay members, as led by the Holy Spirit, continue to be a vital part of Christ's commission to the disciples.
The "gifts'' of the Spirit are God-given abilities distributed as God knows is best for different aspects of Christian service. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, Paul tells us, even though they are all inspired by the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4). God gives these special abilities "for the common good''--so Christians can help one another (verse 7).
But not everyone has the same spiritual gift or ability, just as not every part of the human body performs the function of seeing, hearing or walking. Feet, hands, eyes and other parts serve different functions. By contributing to the body as a whole, the various parts serve one another. So it is in the church, the body of Christ (verses 14-27).
God distributes the gifts: one power to one person, another gift to the next person, a third ability to another, just as God determines (verses 8-11). God appoints people with various spiritual functions: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle-workers, healers, helpers, administrators and speaking in different kinds of tongues (verse 28).
By dividing the gifts in this way, God encourages members to work with and help one another. Through a division of labor, God encourages us to work with one another to be more efficient. As we work together, Christ gives his church growth (Ephesians 4:15-16).
What are the various gifts? Paul lists some in 1 Corinthians 12:28-30: Church leadership positions such as apostle, prophet and teacher, or gifts of miracles, healings and tongues, or less spectacular but equally necessary abilities such as helping others and administration.
Another list is in verses 7-10: messages of wisdom and knowledge, faith and healing and miracles, inspired messages of prophecy, tongues or interpretations, or a special gift for distinguishing between spirits. (The Greek word for "distinguishing'' is also used in 14:29. This gift was probably used to tell which prophecies or tongue-interpretations were genuine and which were false.)
The precise difference between wisdom and knowledge, or faith and healing and miracles may not be important in this list; Paul is simply making the point that spiritual gifts come in many varieties, although they are all "for the common good.''
Romans 12:6-8 gives yet another list of gifts (none of the lists is exhaustive): prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving to others, leading others or showing mercy. Some of these service gifts should be found in all Christians, but some people are distinctly better at certain activities than other people are. As God gives us these abilities, we should apply them as best we can for the common good of the body of Christ.
The gifts in these lists come in three major categories: Church leadership, speaking, and serving others. Peter summarizes "gifts'' under the categories of speaking and serving (1 Peter 4:11). "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms'' (verse 10).
Paul said that God had given (the Greek verb is similar to the noun used for "gift'') the Philippian Christians the ability to believe in Christ and also the opportunity to suffer for him (Philippians 1:29-30). Suffering patiently and faithfully can be a useful spiritual gift. Paul says he was given a ``thorn in the flesh'' (2 Corinthians 12:7), which emphasized Paul's weaknesses, therefore showing that the power of his message came not from himself but from God (verses 8-10).
Paul referred to marital status, whether married or not, as a gift (1 Corinthians 7:7). Any of life's circumstances can be considered a gift of God if we are able to use it to glorify Christ and serve others. It does not matter how spectacular or seemingly ordinary the gift is - what matters is how it is used (1 Corinthians 13:1-4). Love, a fruit of the Spirit that all Christians must have, is the test of whether an ability or gift is good.
All gifts should be used to glorify Christ and to benefit others.
(Adapted from What the Bible Says About Speaking in Tongues, Worldwide Church of God, 1994, pp. 11, 13, 22-23.) How this paper was prepared
Michael Morrison did the research for this paper, organized the material, and sent it to Pastor General Joseph Tkach and several others for edits and comments. Comments, suggestions, input and edits were also requested from all regional directors, regional pastors, their wives and others.
"I liked the paper on ministry. Here is one suggestion. In reference to 1 Peter 2:9, I would like to see more emphasis made concerning the Greek term laos, from which we get the word "laity.'' Out of all the peoples (ethnos) of the earth, there is a special people (laos) who are God's called-out people to be a priesthood to serve for him in dignity and honor. The separation of clergy and laity needs to be broken down so we truly see that we are all one ministry.''--David Fiedler, regional pastor
In some areas the Worldwide Church of God has functioned along these lines for years. For example, lay men and women have been used in counseling situations, especially when dealing with scattered members.
But the Christian impact of such people has not been recognized enough within the church, and we need to rectify that. The church in general needs more exposure to these concepts, but it is not something entirely new. We appreciate the many lay members who have helped us through the years.--James Henderson, regional pastor
"Every Christian has a ministry or ministries to perform. All Christians have the responsibility of doing the work of a deacon, or performing acts of service. It is vitally important to remember that when we serve others, we are demonstrating our love to God (Heb. 6:10).
"I feel it is also essential to stress that all Christian service is vital, whether it is preaching, teaching, counseling, encouragement, music, manual labor, providing financial assistance, supplying food, intercessory prayers, etc. In the past, certain areas of ministry were considered of little worth.
"It is interesting to note that seemingly ordinary acts of service are actually forms of worship. In this way, all Christians can perform religious service (Phil. 2:17), and the ministry of worship has been given to everyone.
"Everyone has gifts, talents and abilities that God expects us to use to minister to others. Therefore, all Christians--men, women, and children--ordained or not, are called to be ministers, or servants. In this way, the command to `love one another' is fulfilled. No gender restrictions are issued in our service one to another.
"As stated in the paper, the Bible gives examples of men and women, many of whom were not ordained, performing wonderful acts of ministry in the work of the Lord. All members have a responsibility of helping to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, both in word and in deed.''--Guy Engelbart, regional pastor
"The basic premise is that all of God's people are called to be servants, and this includes the lay person as well as the clergy, men and women, and why not children, too.''--Mike Swagerty, regional pastor
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