One of the most amazing truths in life is how the Bible fits so well together. I am aware that some passages seem to contradict one another, but I have a high view of God and the Bible, so my view of those differences are we lack the proper understanding; God did not make a mistake. Many examples of God providing understanding to humanity at some point are evident. For instance, many towns/cities that are mentioned in the Bible are discovered by archaeologists after it has been deemed that the town simply “could not” have existed. More to the point, the Bible itself shows God revealing further understanding over time (consider the “mystery” Paul mentions in Ephesians 3.3 – the mystery referring to Jesus being God’s plan for redemption.)
Why do I mention how well the Bible connects to itself? Let me answer that by providing a key thought made by Jesus, by Paul, and by Peter.
Jesus: “Go therefore and make disciples...” (Matthew 28.18)
Paul: “And he gave...to equip the saints for the work of ministry...” (Ephesians 4.11-12)
Peter: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, ...” (1 Peter 2.9)
How do these three statements relate? Well, a biblical understanding of the priesthood must include those who do ministry. According to 1 Peter, which alludes to Exodus 19.5-6, all of God’s people are priests. The Exodus passage is given prior to the distinction of the Levites being the designated tribe from which priests were called. Peter’s letter makes this clear as well – all are priests. While this idea may seem foreign in a culture that thrives on specialization (which certainly includes ministerial staff), the truth is that the Bible is clear that we are all to serve God, and, therefore, the term priest should not be reserved for paid clergy of any, or all, denominations.
And yet, some people are called to a higher position with the Church. Paul’s words remind us that God has called some to lead the church in a special way (as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers per Ephesians 4.11). This leadership is to equip others to do the work of ministry. That is, these leaders are to prepare people to be serve God in a variety of ways. If we connect this idea to the previous paragraph, then these leaders are to equip people to be...priests. Most might initially think this is the work of a theological school, or even a monastery, however, the Bible is clear that the work begins within the context of the church.
So, church leaders are to equip others for the work of ministry (while being involved in the ministry as well). What is the work of ministry? Jesus made this abundantly clear in the last words recorded in Matthew's account of the gospel - make disciples. Effectively, the idea of equipping is certainly in sync with making disciples and making disciples is certainly a big part of the work of ministry that the saints are to do. So, the leaders make disciples of others who will then make more disciples. Some of those new disciples will become leaders who will do more equipping and more disciples will continue to be made.
By combining the terminology from the prior paragraphs, the following is a reasonable summation:
All Christians are to serve God who has called these servants His priests. These priests
are to make disciples which simply means helping others what it means to be a priest
for God. Some of these priests will be specifically called by God to lead others in a way
to ensure people are being prepared (equipped) for the task of ministry – that is, to
make disciples.
While not all may be called by God to be a specific kind of leader, all Christians are called to lead, because as we serve as priests, others will be watching. And it is these others who need to be led to know who Jesus is, what He has done, and ultimately how to serve Him as a priest themselves.
Again, the Bible fits together perfectly. Many other instances exist, but as I preached this past week on the idea of God calling a “new” priesthood at the beginning of The Reformation, my mind was stirred to consider the thoughts I have shared here. As a pastor, many look to me (expect me) to serve in a way that they cannot. Because this idea has become so ingrained in (church) culture, I understand the premise, but if I/we clearly understand this teaching of the Bible, we must all do our part, and I must lead that process so that, ultimately, all will be serving as the priests of God we are called to be.
Showing posts with label equip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label equip. Show all posts
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Friday, September 2, 2016
Eyes Opened!
In last week’s post, I mentioned the need to keep my eyes open to what God was doing. I had several concerns about my trip to Kenya, and in retrospect, most of the concerns had a solid basis for them. However, thankfully, none of the concerns were realized.
My eyes were opened, however. They were opened to a people who are desperate for God. The team of five Americans were privileged to see God at work in His people so many miles away. Three of the team members were pastors who trained over 100 pastors combined on matters of doctrine and hermeneutics. Two members spent most of their time in the desert (the “bush”) telling Bible stories and saw over 60 people receive Jesus as Lord. In addition, relationships were developed and plans were made to continue to develop the work in the coming years. God is stirring the hearts of the people in Eastern Kenya and I am looking forward to seeing the fruit which will come.
Personally, this was the furthest I have gone on a mission trip. And that makes my return difficult because I feel like a part of me is still there. Although I have just recently returned, I better understand the words of Paul when he wrote of his affection for the churches he had visited. Having served at a few churches over the past many years, I have understood that to a degree, but the time, distance, and overall sacrifice involved to get to/from Kenya makes the separation far more real than the previous churches of which I have been a part, which I can visit by driving approximately two hours. Furthermore, as much as I have appreciated my time at each church, I have known that my time there was complete when I left as God was calling me to something new. I still have family or friends that attend each of those churches, so it is not like I have lost contact or do not care, but God’s call to someplace new brought a sense of closure to each of the churches I was leaving.
In contrast, my service in Kenya is just beginning. And yet, my next opportunity to serve must wait a year or more. My desire is to continue to help my new friends develop and grow in ministry, even as I do the same here for both the church I serve and the students I teach at college/seminary. God has confirmed my calling time and time again, and this trip to Kenya has been another confirmation. One further piece remains to be explored, and that piece was the emphasis of my dissertation, so I believe God has plans for that aspect as well. In the coming months, I plan to delve further into that area which, I believe, will complete the scope of my overall call to serve God.
So, what’s the point? The point is that God has prepared me through His calling to make me a busy man. I do what I do to serve Him because He has given me great opportunities. God has provided each time so that I can better know Him, and subsequently serve Him – for that is what each of us are to do. We are called to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. Our salvation does not come from our works, but our works are the outflow of our salvation. In other words, we do not have a faith by works, we are to have a faith that works. This was the point that James was making in James 2. Our faith is made evident because of our works, for we are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only. I don’t want to be known as a hearer; I want to be a doer.
To that end, my intent is to shift even more of my focus to developing others (equip the saints!) for the work of ministry. That begins in my own church, and now extends across the globe. I am just one person, but as each person does what we are called by God to do, we will make a tremendous impact for His Kingdom! Will you join me in being a doer – for His Kingdom and His glory?
My eyes were opened, however. They were opened to a people who are desperate for God. The team of five Americans were privileged to see God at work in His people so many miles away. Three of the team members were pastors who trained over 100 pastors combined on matters of doctrine and hermeneutics. Two members spent most of their time in the desert (the “bush”) telling Bible stories and saw over 60 people receive Jesus as Lord. In addition, relationships were developed and plans were made to continue to develop the work in the coming years. God is stirring the hearts of the people in Eastern Kenya and I am looking forward to seeing the fruit which will come.
Personally, this was the furthest I have gone on a mission trip. And that makes my return difficult because I feel like a part of me is still there. Although I have just recently returned, I better understand the words of Paul when he wrote of his affection for the churches he had visited. Having served at a few churches over the past many years, I have understood that to a degree, but the time, distance, and overall sacrifice involved to get to/from Kenya makes the separation far more real than the previous churches of which I have been a part, which I can visit by driving approximately two hours. Furthermore, as much as I have appreciated my time at each church, I have known that my time there was complete when I left as God was calling me to something new. I still have family or friends that attend each of those churches, so it is not like I have lost contact or do not care, but God’s call to someplace new brought a sense of closure to each of the churches I was leaving.
In contrast, my service in Kenya is just beginning. And yet, my next opportunity to serve must wait a year or more. My desire is to continue to help my new friends develop and grow in ministry, even as I do the same here for both the church I serve and the students I teach at college/seminary. God has confirmed my calling time and time again, and this trip to Kenya has been another confirmation. One further piece remains to be explored, and that piece was the emphasis of my dissertation, so I believe God has plans for that aspect as well. In the coming months, I plan to delve further into that area which, I believe, will complete the scope of my overall call to serve God.
So, what’s the point? The point is that God has prepared me through His calling to make me a busy man. I do what I do to serve Him because He has given me great opportunities. God has provided each time so that I can better know Him, and subsequently serve Him – for that is what each of us are to do. We are called to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. Our salvation does not come from our works, but our works are the outflow of our salvation. In other words, we do not have a faith by works, we are to have a faith that works. This was the point that James was making in James 2. Our faith is made evident because of our works, for we are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only. I don’t want to be known as a hearer; I want to be a doer.
To that end, my intent is to shift even more of my focus to developing others (equip the saints!) for the work of ministry. That begins in my own church, and now extends across the globe. I am just one person, but as each person does what we are called by God to do, we will make a tremendous impact for His Kingdom! Will you join me in being a doer – for His Kingdom and His glory?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
N - Nurture
When we think of nurture, we may think of caring for someone, perhaps even gently. That is partially true, but one definition is to train or to educate. In our JOURNEY, this is how I perceive nurture. Certainly, there is an element of care, but ultimately caring for others so they can not only care for themselves, but also care for others. This is Paul's statement in Ephesians 4.11-13. God has given some to the church to help others be nurtured to conduct ministry and subsequently be united in the faith, united in the knowledge of Christ, and become complete in Him.
So nurture is about ministry. Ministry is one of the five functions recorded in the early church (Acts 2.45). It is about helping others see a need, and then fulfilling a need. But, for a believer, this should be done in the name of Christ. It is not enough to just help someone for the sake of helping. Jesus said to make disciples. Disciples are followers and they need someone (Someone) to follow. So as we help others by ministering to them, as a believer, we must also share that a greater purpose exists, and that is to help them see Jesus.
The reality is that there are more needs than any one person can meet. There are more than any one church can meet. But there are not more than God can meet. When we minister to others in our strength, and without a greater purpose, we may help others for a short time, but miss a bigger opportunity. And as a pastor, my role is to be a coach-player in this scenario. Yes, I should minister to others, but as Paul wrote, I must also prepare others to do this. The reasons are multiple, but two are primary.
First, I cannot meet as many needs by myself as a congregation full of people can meet collectively.
Second, as I do all of the ministry, everyone misses out on the blessings. I miss out due to being overworked, stressed, etc. More importantly, I miss out on seeing others grow in their faith as they faithfully serve God by serving others.
Third, others miss the opportunity for growth. They do not have a chance to develop their gifts and better understand how God has crafted them for the good works they are supposed to do (Ephesians 2.10).
So, nurture is indeed important. Like the other letters (O, U, R, E), there is a lot of overlap in the scope of the JOURNEY. We O-bserve as we nurture, we U-nite in purpose as we nurture, we R-evere God as we nurture, and when we nurture in Jesus name, we E-voke the hearts of others to consider the true ministry of our Savior.
As we JOURNEY through this life, let us remember that ultimately our purpose is to worship God and reflect His presence in our lives. Being equipped to serve is a part of that process. Using our gifts for His sake in ministering to (nurturing) others in His name, provides the opportunity for that reflection to shine, showing we are truly living in, not of (fotonni).
So nurture is about ministry. Ministry is one of the five functions recorded in the early church (Acts 2.45). It is about helping others see a need, and then fulfilling a need. But, for a believer, this should be done in the name of Christ. It is not enough to just help someone for the sake of helping. Jesus said to make disciples. Disciples are followers and they need someone (Someone) to follow. So as we help others by ministering to them, as a believer, we must also share that a greater purpose exists, and that is to help them see Jesus.
The reality is that there are more needs than any one person can meet. There are more than any one church can meet. But there are not more than God can meet. When we minister to others in our strength, and without a greater purpose, we may help others for a short time, but miss a bigger opportunity. And as a pastor, my role is to be a coach-player in this scenario. Yes, I should minister to others, but as Paul wrote, I must also prepare others to do this. The reasons are multiple, but two are primary.
First, I cannot meet as many needs by myself as a congregation full of people can meet collectively.
Second, as I do all of the ministry, everyone misses out on the blessings. I miss out due to being overworked, stressed, etc. More importantly, I miss out on seeing others grow in their faith as they faithfully serve God by serving others.
Third, others miss the opportunity for growth. They do not have a chance to develop their gifts and better understand how God has crafted them for the good works they are supposed to do (Ephesians 2.10).
So, nurture is indeed important. Like the other letters (O, U, R, E), there is a lot of overlap in the scope of the JOURNEY. We O-bserve as we nurture, we U-nite in purpose as we nurture, we R-evere God as we nurture, and when we nurture in Jesus name, we E-voke the hearts of others to consider the true ministry of our Savior.
As we JOURNEY through this life, let us remember that ultimately our purpose is to worship God and reflect His presence in our lives. Being equipped to serve is a part of that process. Using our gifts for His sake in ministering to (nurturing) others in His name, provides the opportunity for that reflection to shine, showing we are truly living in, not of (fotonni).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)