God's Plan for Ministry in the Church

Too often we begin our thinking about important issues as this with referring to other structures we are familiar with and assuming that what works in one setting will work in the church.

I have often heard people say, with very good intentions, that the church should be run like a business. I am not saying that churches cannot use good business principles, but the church is not a business.

The Bible has very clear instructions for how a church goes about doing the work of the church.

Paul outlines God’s strategy in the 4th chapter of Ephesians:

God has appointed leaders to equip the saints - Ephesians 4:11-12

Ephesians 4:11–12 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

The saints (believers) are to do the work of the ministry - Ephesians 4:12

Ephesians 4:12 NIV

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

This results in spiritual maturity of the entire body - Ephesians 4:12-16

Ephesians 4:12–16 NIV

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

This is not just about how ministry gets done, it is about the side effects of doing ministry.

Ministry together promotes unity - Ephesians 4:12-13

Ephesians 4:12–13 (NIV)

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God ...

Ministry builds maturity - Ephesians 4:12-13

Ephesians 4:12–13 (NIV)

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ministry builds confident faith - Ephesians 4:14

Ephesians 4:14 NIV

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

Mature faith comes from a clear understanding of truth

Ex. PCW at Moody

Truthful and loving communication creates more Christlike believers - Ephesians 4:15

Ephesians 4:15 NIV

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Two aspects of communication:

Truth - Without truth, we are living a lie

Love - Without love, we are abusive

Ministry equips for maximum function

How does one become an elite athlete?

By exercising every part of the body to reach its fullest potential!

This full involvement in ministry is accomplished through spiritual gifts - Romans 12:4-8

God has designed us each to make a unique contribution to the ministry of the Body of Christ - Romans 12:4-6

Romans 12:4–6 (NIV)

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,

so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

God has designed a wide variety of ministries - Romans 12:6-8

Romans 12:6–8 NIV

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

God uses our talents and abilities - It is He who made us

(Moses at the burning bush)

God empowers our ministry beyond our abilities through the gifts of the Spirit

It is only when we are empowered by God than we can be fruitful - John 15:5

John 15:5 NIV

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.