Today, in the church in America, we have all kinds of “ministries.” We have preaching ministries, music ministries, youth ministries, jail ministries, youth camp ministries, food ministries, Christian book and so forth. For over thirty years one group made their ministry bringing fresh grapefruit and oranges to the Navajo Reservation at Christmas. In the process of developing some of these ministries, I suspect we have forgotten the purpose of ministry. Ephesians 4:11-15 defines the ultimate purpose of ministry.
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-15)
Ephesians 4:11 names five specific ministries that God placed in the church. While each serves a specific function, each is to contribute directly to the accomplishing of the goals stated in verses 12-15. I hope to examine each of these ministries more carefully in the future, but for the moment, I would like to focus on those goals.
Verse 12 says that the purpose of the different ministries is, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” If they do the job properly the result will be what is described verses 13-15. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
Proper ministries ought work toward a unity of faith, soundly based on the knowledge of Jesus Christ which produces a similar attitude in us. This will produce Christians who are not misled or swayed by other beliefs and deliberate falsehoods. Instead, they will focus on the truth, growing ever more like Christ in their daily lives. Literally, verse 12 states that the ministry’s job is to do what ever work is required to bring the believers to that point.
II Timothy 3:16-17 declares that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” A valid ministry can accomplish its purpose by teaching and applying the scriptures properly.
Is it legitimate to call something a ministry that does not?
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