The 9 Ministry Principles// Biblical Worldview

Introduction:

How we think about God determines how we think about the world and our lives in it. If we we’re going to have a Christian life and worldview, the first thing we have to have, beloved, is a Christian God-view. Howe we think about God will determine how we think about the world and how we think about our own lives. I really don’t think the Christian community in general devotes a lot of thought to the character of God. I hear again, and again, and again, ‘I don’t need to know any theology. All I need to know is Jesus.’ ‘well,’ I ask the people immediately, ‘Who is Jesus?’ As soon as they begin to answer that question, they have already plunged themselves immediately into theology.”–R.C. Sproul

Five percent of the people think; ten percent of the people think they think; and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think.”–Thomas Edison

9 Ministry Principles:

Nine Ministry Principles of Calvary Harvest

Ministry Principles: A set of guiding statements that provide direction & boundaries to protect the mission & vision of our church. As we stay true to these principles, it will help us to be accountable, humble, and unified as a local church.

We are adopted principles from God’s Word to help us make right decisions in our areas of service and ministry. All of our main services and ministries should adhere to these guidelines.

Doing so will keep us on track biblically with our vision and mission as a church. “to win souls, make disciples, raise up ministry leaders, and to be a sending out church.”

This implies individual and corporate involvement.

These principles are not designed to limit anyone; rather to enable our Body of Christ.

As a church, we believe we have been given a mission to make disciples, plant churches and send out missionaries; so, training up leaders to “go” is going to be the primary focus for our church.

As leaders develop, they need to be able to minster without having to get every little decision checked off by a pastor or leader.

We want our ministries to be run by biblical principles, not run by one person’s approval.

There will be matters that arise in which myself or another pastor will need to be informed on—also my goal in all of this isn’t to discourage proper and frequent communication—but to get us to a place where we understand where we are going and what we are to be about.

[think football team]

With a continued application, these biblical principles will become second nature as you learn to properly discern God’s Word to make decisions:

Hebrews 5:13–14 NKJV

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

We are setting certain boundaries to help us keep our what we believe God is calling us to at the forefront, and to keep a pure doctrine.

Setting up boundaries protects the leadership from common pitfalls too, because we all submit to the boundaries provided. As well as protects the church from wolves in sheep’s clothing that are looking to infiltrate our church.

As you read and familiarize yourself with these principles, consider what Calvary Harvest will look like as these principles are lived out in all our services and ministries.

1. We are a House of Prayer

When Jesus saw the religious leaders had made the synagogue into something other than a house of prayer, He overthrew their tables and ran them out (Matt. 21)! The Bible teaches us there is to be corporate prayer as well as private prayer. God expects us to pray in unity for the mission He has given us. He answers prayer, moving us along in His power and provision. We are wonderfully dependent on God for all we have done, are doing, and will do. As we press forward, we must have God’s hand of blessing upon us, or we labor in vain (Psalm 127).

Some practical examples of this include:

·Members are committed to pray at every ministry meeting.

· Making corporate prayer a priority in every service.

· Keeping an attitude/awareness of desperate dependence on God for all we do.

Family I have no control over your private prayer life, that is truly between you and the Lord. I do have some control over the corporate approach to prayer, and that is the guiding principal for the changes to our midweek service.

It went from a Bible study to prayer and a bible study now to prayer and break out Bible studies.

2. We are always making disciples

God has made a way for us to have a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8-11, 10:8-13). Once we have a right relationship, He begins to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:10-11). As we become more Christ-like, we become more focused on the mission of reproducing this in others (2 Timothy 2:2).

2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

The church is all about this cycle of evangelism, spiritual growth, and reproduction. We have accepted this from God as our mission. We summarize God’s mission for the church into “making disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

The varied ministries of Calvary Harvest are all in some way involved in this all-important mission.

This is what we are all about. Like other churches, we are busy. A common problem for busy churches is to be so focused on ministry activities and losing sight of the mission. We deliberately attempt to avoid this by staying focused on the mission God has given us.

This is why we encourage those in ministry here in our church to review their ministry activities, making sure they can describe clearly how their activities are part of “making disciples.”

Additionally, this principle should encourage you—knowing our church is a place where the time, treasure, and talents you invest will be used for furthering God’s kingdom.

3. We have the Final Authority: God’s Word

Our church holds to the Word of God as being our ultimate authority. We believe the Holy Spirit will reveal truth to us as we study the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:10).

1 Corinthians 2:10 NKJV

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

There are two views pertaining to the Bible: those like us who have a faith-based view of Scripture, or a critical view of Scripture.

o The critical view believes the Word of God contain errors which need to be corrected through human scholarship and intervention. We believe this view causes confusion among the saints. This view leads many to no longer believe in the accuracy and authority of God’s Word

o The Faith based view, which we hold to as a church, believes God’s Word is perfect, inspired, complete, and preserved. We believe God has preserved His Word perfectly in every language, and it is not a requirement to learn Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic to truly know what the Word of God says.

For our church the Bible, not the pastors or teachers, is the gold standard of truth in all matters of doctrine and practice. Our call is to study it and live it, not to tear it apart with human logic and criticism.

The Bible is what changes us (Romans 12:2, John 17:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13), we are not to change it (Revelation 22:18-19; 1 Corinthians 1:19-2:5).

If you hold to a critical view of Scripture you are more than welcomed to attend, be involved, however please do not undermine our doctrinal statement of being a faith based church, pertaining to the Word of God.

Feel free to bring whatever bible translation or paraphrase you want to, and do not worry about what anyone else is reading. We do not want any Bible police, okay?

In order to prevent confusion and to maintain unity, we will teach from the KJV and NKJV.

4. Our Disciples are Accountable in the Word.

Accountability: required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible.

Because we are spiritual beings and the Bible is our spiritual nourishment and the key to our spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2), we are serious about studying it. It is important to note we are commanded to study it in Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15).

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We want to stay accountable in the Word (Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Accountability in the Word means we stay involved in some aspect of Bible study with others in the Body of Christ. Doing so will not only edify you but others too (1 Corinthians 14:31). Regular Bible study with your brothers and sisters in Christ is a life-changing exercise which you will learn to cherish.

2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent [Study] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

· Our New Believers Study, main services (Sunday and Wednesday), and teaching assignments (youth ministry, home fellowships, men’s and women’s ministries, etc.) are an excellent way to stay accountable in God’s Word.

Set the example. [teachers]

5. Our Disciples Engage in Ministry Service.

1 Corinthians 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”

1 Corinthians 12:18 “But now God has set the members, each one of them in the body just as He pleased.”

We believe the local church must have all its members functioning, as they are gifted, for the benefit of the church body. This is the only way for us to have a healthy and vibrant church.

1 Corinthians 12:7 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”

This means you have been gifted by God and placed in this local church in order to serve God and be part of furthering His kingdom through service to the church.

For our church this is something we place great emphasis on. This principle “our disciples engage in ministry service” is one way we help keep a biblical perspective on the way the local church should function.

We believe you will find great fulfillment in joining us by using the gifts God has given you. You are not only invited to jump in and help with the work, but we believe we are biblically instructed to do so. It will be challenging, but rewarding.

We function in teams. Prayerfully consider how God has gifted you; then seeking out a team leader in that area, to see how to help in that ministry. An important note: be patient… even if you are gifted, no one starts out as a team leader.

· We do not want a “they” or “them” mentality. It is only “us”—each of us must take responsibility for the needs of the church. We are not a church willing to separate congregants and staff.

· As leadership our goal is to encourage, train, and focus those willing to partner with us in ministry.

6. Our leaders are Servant Leaders.

Ephesians 4:11-13 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Leadership is an important aspect and a good calling God establishes for the benefit of our church. Like all churches, we have leaders and are continually training up new ones.

Leadership for a follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t mean you get to boss everyone else around, but rather you will serve others.

Matthew 20:26-28 “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

This is a character trait found in all of the Apostles and leaders of the early church. Therefore, we need to demonstrate this principle in our lives too.

Those who seek leadership in the church seek a good thing, but be ready to serve, not to be served. Moving forward in leadership requires dying to self and thinking of others first. The further you progress in leadership; the more selflessness will be required.

7. We are always Training Leaders.

Our church is committed to training leaders. We do this through the structure of our ministry teams. All of our teams have been charged with training leaders.

In our teams everyone should work to be a mentor, and everybody should have a mentor as well. This is modeled in the Bible by Paul and Timothy’s relationship; meaning everyone should have a “Paul” in their lives, as well as a “Timothy.” OT example Moses and Jethro.

Training leaders is not just one more activity to add to a list of ministry activities, rather we train as the team serves. As training takes place, the work of the ministry is getting done; as the work of the ministry is getting done, training is taking place.

One main motivation for training leaders is we believe God has called us to plant churches and send out missionaries.

Considering some of us will be sent out, it is important we have someone ready and trained to take our place. Our prayer is you will be one of those leaders.

8. We Protect Unity: Ephesians 4:1-10; Psalm 133.

1 Corinthians 1:10 “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Unity within the body is beautiful, and it originates in our one Lord. The Tri-unity of our Lord. It brings anointing, strength, and an empowering witness to our church. Unity should be the norm for mature believers who seek to have the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:1-8). Unity is accomplished through the study and obedience to God’s Word (Ephesians 4:11-14).

We recognize unity is under attack. You do not have to look very far to see countless examples of this. Churches are splitting or dividing over arguments all the time (1 Corinthians 1:10-11).

Many Churches are powerlessly struggling because of the division within the body (1 Corinthians 11:18-30). The enemy causes division through prideful contentions which are rooted in selfish human carnality (Proverbs 13:10).

To prevent this, we must pursue humility (James 4:6-7) in our lives, while actively protecting the unity we have in Christ.

James 4:6–7 NKJV

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

This means we do not gossip or spread rumors.

We communicate expectations, issues, needs etc. clearly, frequently, and biblically. Notice I did not say we would do this perfectly…I know I am trying my best, but I am not a good communicator all the time.

In the absence of good communication, there is danger of divisive speculation. Good communication is the key to staying on the same page in ministry. Division, in attitude or action, will be addressed.

Matthew 18:15-17 gives us the parameters when we have issues with our brothers and sisters who have sinned against us. To avoid gossip and to stay within the guidelines of the Bible; bring up an issue with your ministry leader or lead pastor once you have tried to resolve the issue yourself.

Matthew 18:15–17 NKJV

15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

· [Philippians 2:1-11] This is the attitude we strive to have.

We recognize there are varied views of theology and doctrine. We acknowledge anyone’s right to hold differing views. To keep unity of our fellowship we ask you, again, do not undermine the views of our church and our church’s leadership. To understand our stance on certain issues, see our Statement of Faith or schedule an appointment with one of our elders or pastors.

We also believe the pastor and elders are the spiritual leadership of the church and as a congregation we submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:17).

Hebrews 13:17 NKJV

17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

If you are unwilling to submit to the authority of the local church, then this isn’t the church for you. But we will help you find a church aligning more with your beliefs.

9. We Minister in Light of Spiritual Realities.

As a church we operate in light of two realities:

1. God is with us:

Matthew 1:23 “’Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’”

Matthew 28:20 “’Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”

2. The devil seeks to destroy us:

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

If we lose sight that God is with us, we are in danger of reacting out of discouragement, doubt and fear. Scripture clearly teaches we will experience suffering (Romans 8:18), hardships (2 Timothy 2:3), and persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). It can be a hard to grasp the reality that God is with us when we are going through difficulties. This is to be expected if we are in a spiritual battle for the souls of men and women.

We have a real enemy, the devil, and he is trying to get us to quit. Never forget! Keeping in mind, God is with us and the devil seeks to destroy us will help us move forward in diligent faith to do what God has tasked us with at Calvary Harvest.

1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Biblical Worldview:

A World view: is a comprehensive view of life through which we think, understand, and judge, and which determines our approach to life and meaning.

It is also a basic sets of assumptions that gives meaning to one’s thoughts

What I mean is a world view is a set of assumptions of someone has about the way things are, about what things are, and why things are.

It is also a set of presuppositions (assumption which may be true, partially true or entirely false). We can have presuppositions consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently.

“One’s worldview is perhaps best reflected by one’s answers to the ‘ultimate questions of life’: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? What’s it all about? Is there a god? How can I live and die happily? What are good and evil? What would I be willing to die for?”–Olthuis

There are a number of worldviews that plague the arena such as:

Monotheism: One God exists who is separate from but involved with the universe.

There are three world religious—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, are monotheistic. However our doctrine of monotheism differs from those of the other two by teaching Trinitarian monotheism.

[Disclaimer we could spend a lot more time then we have available this morning to look at the fallacies in each of these worldviews]

Judaism and Islam deny Jesus’ deity. Christians become smug and arrogant, not believing they need to think and engage a world for Jesus.

Deism: God created an orderly universe to operate on its own

God isn’t involved in daily life so prayer is a useless activity.

Naturalism: Matter is all that exists and is best understood through science. Humans are just highly evolved animals.

There is no God and humans are only physical, highly developed machines.

Nihilism: We must question objective truth and positive values.

Life is a hopeless, meaningless existence.

Existentialism: Life has no objective meaning, so significance is individually created.

There is no purpose to life beyond the immediate moment, so live to satisfy yourself now.

Pantheism: Everything that exists is God (Spirit). Matter is an illusion; thus we are all divine by nature.

Gnosticism is what the early church battled against, claiming that the material world was evil, only the spiritual mattered. Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man, meaning he was a perfect and complete spiritual and physical being. Which leads us to understand that God cares for us physical beings too.

New Consciousness: Reality is beyond reason and can only be understood by altering the mind.

We need to alter our mind if we want to understand reality.

Postmodernism: There are no objective truths or morals.

In God’s Word we have been given absolute truth.

Pluralism: The different world religions represent equally valid perspectives on the ultimate reality; there are many valid paths to salvation.

John 14:6 NKJV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Moralistic therapeutic deism: God just wants us to be happy and nice to other people; He intervenes in our affairs only when we call on Him to help us out.

Deconstruction:

refers to the process of questioning one’s own beliefs due to new experiences, reading widely, engaging in conversations with “the other,” and interacting in a world that is now more connected and exposed to religious diversity than ever before.

Important to ask what they mean.

One can be very good and beneficial while the other a cover for sin.

Personal Combination: While this isn’t a worldview, some people combine elements of other worldviews and create their own, unique view of the world.

Who am I?

Why am I here?

Where did I come from?

What is my purpose in life?

What’s it all about?

What would I be willing to die for?

How can I live and die happily?

What happens after I die?

Does God exists, and, if so, what is He like??

What are good and evil?

What is real?

What is wrong with the world?

How can we fix it?

Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?

How can I live a joyful, meaningful life in a world with so much evil?

Do absolute moral truths exists?

Is absolute truth defined by the Bible?

Did Jesus Christ live a sinless life?

Is God the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe, and does He still rule today?

Is salvation a gift from God that cannot be earned?

Is Satan real?

Does a Christian have a responsibility to share his or her faith in Christ with other people?

Is the Bible accurate in all of its teachings?