Page 71 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Nature of Ministry 71

Moses expressed his wish that all God’s people would be prophets. And,
indeed, Joel’s prophecy speaks of a day when God will pour out His Spirit on all
flesh, and they would prophesy. But modern prophets have often created much
difficulty for local bodies of believers. To prepare for such potential problems a
minister needs to understand how a prophet is to function.
In the Old Testament, the prophet’s ministry centered on combative correction
of God’s people, often in symbolic terms. The prophet also provided direction
and occasional prediction of what was to come. Prophets of this era were often
rejected, or they isolated themselves from the majority of people.
18 How is an Old Testament In the New Testament, however, a much different prophet is seen. The
prophet different from the same prophet of the New Testament edifies and encourages, with a heart of love. Such
title in the New Testament? a prophet may also exhort believers and proclaim the greatness of God. The
antagonistic scenes of the Old Testament are not a key part of the New Testament
expression of the office. It can be noted that the modern evangelist, an itinerant
preacher who spends the majority of ministry time among local bodies of
believers is a close parallel to the New Testament office of prophet.
Prophets are to be in submission to spiritual authority in the local body. While
prophets may bring a compelling and even controversial call to holiness, they should
never seek to create antagonism as the means of exercising their ministry. Such an
attitude is not in keeping with the direction of the New Testament.
The Evangelist
The church today uses the title of evangelist to describe those itinerant
preachers that hold varied meetings among the churches. Again, the New
Testament concept of prophet may be a closer match.
In New Testament times, the evangelist could be found primarily in the
marketplace, explaining the gospel to those uninitiated in matters of faith. Still
today, the evangelist is known for spreading the gospel among those who have yet
to receive Christ as Savior. Certainly, such ministry can take place within the local
body, but it finds its most logical expression outside of congregational gatherings.
One does not have to be in full-time vocational ministry to demonstrate any of
these gifts, especially that of evangelist. In fact, many who have been given as gifts
to the church find themselves among the secular workforce, spreading God’s love
and message of hope daily. It is significant that while Paul told Timothy to stir up
the gift that was within him, he was also to do the work of an evangelist. It seems
evident that such an effort is expected of all believers when given the opportunity.
The Pastor/Teacher

It is difficult to discern whether Paul’s intent was to combine these two roles
or define separate offices. Frankly, however, the issue is not critical. The offices
of pastor and teacher are focused on the same audience for the same purpose and
are often resident in the same person.
The idea of pastor is a blending of the concepts of leader and shepherd. As
spiritual leader of the local body, the pastor fills many functions. He or she brings
vision, guidance, nurture, and enacts discipline, just as a shepherd would in
guiding a flock. We have already seen the variety of expectations often placed on
a minister, and the brunt of these fall to the office of pastor. Yet, pastors must see
their key role as that of a leader and function according to that priority.
The gift of teacher may be the simplest to define. The teacher is to provide
instruction in godliness by unfolding the Scriptures and helping others apply them