Page 65 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Nature of Ministry 65

3.2.2 The Scope of Ministry
OBJECTIVE
Write a one-page report The Minister and the People
providing an explanation While being cognizant of the people’s expectations, the minister also has to
of the expectations placed consider Christ’s expectations. In a conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter,
on a minister. the Lord sums up ministry into one directive, “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15).
Jesus said that the true shepherd would sacrifice his or her life for the sheep.
3.2.3
OBJECTIVE While that level of sacrifice may seem extraordinary, it certainly indicates that the
Develop a strategy for call to minister brings the expectation of a sacrificial spirit.
effectively responding to The hired hand demonstrates far less commitment. When trouble arises,
the expectations of others. this shepherd flees the sheep in self-defense. Sheep need care, and that is the
responsibility of the shepherd. It is not difficult to apply this concept to local
church ministry, where a minister and congregation will face conflict. The Good
8 What did Jesus’ directive Shepherd model requires the minister to hold firm and act on behalf of the sheep,
to Peter reveal about the no matter what.
nature of ministry?
The Minister and Organization
Naturally, there will be demands from one’s own local church. Leadership in
the local body requires a clear level of commitment to a host of functions, from
addressing participants in age group activities to training new leadership for
roles throughout the church. And especially since the majority of church work is
accomplished by volunteers, it is essential that a minister model ministry.
The spiritual leader must also meet the expectations of a larger ministry
organization—the licensing organization. Upon receiving credentials, one usually
receives information concerning those expectations. Among them will likely be
the responsibility to continue education requirements and report that progress. As
Paul challenged Timothy, so we must also prove our ministry through study.
The organization will expect a financial commitment from the minister.
Typically, the credentialing organization will require dues and provide
requirements related to tithing and other giving practices. Again, ministers must
demonstrate faithfulness in such things, both as a matter of integrity and example.
Since they will probably receive financial support from the gifts of others, it is
unconscionable that they would be lax in their own giving to the larger scope of
the organization’s ministry.
9 What are the expectations Other tasks and assignments, aside from local church obligations, may come
of your ministry organization? the minister’s way by request of the licensing organization or other affiliates
within the larger organization. This can be a relationship building opportunity
and a fulfilling experience as a minister uses his or her gifts. The minister should
serve the needs of the organization, knowing his or her own efforts of recruiting
workers will likely reflect that heart for serving.

The Minister and Home
Whatever the extent of obligation and demand upon the time and strength
of ministers, they must not lose sight of the priority of family expectations. It
is easy to become so deeply wrapped up in the efforts to serve others that the
minister can overlook responsibilities to a spouse and/or parent. If this happens,
the minister loses more than a ministry opportunity. Therefore, a minister must
demonstrate the kind of commitment to family that he or she seeks to develop
among the believers in the church. Few sermons on the family are as effective as
a living example. Years of ministry become hollow if neglect causes the loss of
this support group.