The Purpose of Ministry

Introduction

-How do you picture the church? A place of worship? A hospital for spiritually sick? A family reunion? Maybe it’s a safety net for you to always go back to when times are tough. All valid thoughts that describe the church in various ways

-Today, I want us to imagine a team with a goal. I played soccer for 14 years and there were 11 people on the field at a time, each with a specific task. Offensive line worked toward the front to score, midfield kept the ball up front for the offense to score, defensive line defended the goal on our side of the field while the goalie protected the goal. Our purpose was to win. But every member and line on the field had a unique purpose and when all the players worked together they could accomplish that goal and win. The church is a body with many parts, and we need everyone to play their role so our team can win. But what does it mean for the church to win? Mark 1:14-28.

Background: Jesus was baptized, being anointed with the Holy Spirit, tempted, conquered, and was ministered to by angels. John the Baptist was then arrested

I. Why Minister? (v. 14-15)

A. The road is paved, the gospel is ready, the time is now!

1. John the Baptist has been taken into custody

a. His primary role was to pave the way for the Messiah. He’s been doing that for the better part of a year until his arrest for standing up to Herod

b. The time was fulfilled (complete). Once Jesus learned of John’s arrest he stepped up onto the path that had been prepared for Him and He started preaching about the good news of the kingdom. He proclaimed that the time was complete, God’s kingdom is near, turn to God, and believe the gospel

2. The road is paved, the gospel is ready, the time is now! Jesus’ ministry had officially begun

B. Our purpose should be the same as Jesus in ministry: the gospel

1. I want you to imagine a world where every attendee of our church is more than a member, every person here is a partner. Imagine a time where everyone is actively participating in different ministries: encouraging, serving, teaching, giving. Imagine that every house in Roann has been knocked on, every family has heard the gospel, and people come to Christ in droves because our team is thriving.

a. I know, it sounds like a nice dream. Really, that’s what a goal or a vision is: a dream of where we could be, a goal we are working toward, a direction where God gives the victory

b. We want to dream big not because we have arrived at our full potential but because God can grow us there if we are willing to grow and serve together.

c. That dream of our church growing and thriving, our community transforming because dozens and hundreds of people come to Christ can be a reality. We just need to be willing to be used and take the first step

2. First, realize the purpose of ministry. It’s all about Jesus. We want to learn, serve, and share Him so that all people can Grow in Jesus

a. Any ministry you have must have Growing in Jesus as its vision

b. The road is paved, the gospel is ready, the time is now!

II. Which Ministry? (v. 16-20)

A. Jesus could have accomplished God’s will in any number of ways

1. Jesus is God in flesh. He could’ve jumped from the temple mount, demonstrating His glory. He could’ve overthrown Herod and Caesar. But He didn’t. His purpose was to die, not evangelize the world

2. Instead, He invested in 12 men whose ministry was to be witnesses to transform the world

a. Why didn’t Jesus write Scripture? Why didn’t He baptize people? That wasn’t His ministry or His purpose

b. Instead, He prepared His disciples to spread the good news while He is that good news

c. The road is paved, the gospel is ready, the time is now!

B. Which ministry should you be part of?

1. If you aren’t sure then ask yourself these questions:

a. Where is there a need?

b. Where is your heart?

c. Who can you join/who can join you in ministry?

d. Who can you learn under to be fruitful?

2. The team has many roles and you can join various positions to be part of the win

a. The question is, will you “leave your father in the boat” to follow Jesus?

b. Will you leave behind your comfort and your excuses and serve in ministry

c. You don’t have to be perfect at it or “as good” as somebody else. You just need to be willing and able. Where is there a need? Where is your heart? Who can you join/who can join you? Who can you learn under?

3. You can get creative for different ministries to begin

a. Kissimmee Christian Church started a prayer meeting at the courthouse in June during pride month and would walk down main street praying for every business

b. Vito Carillo De Luna (Texas Preacher) has been buying the post office worker a cup of coffee every day to build a relationship and witness to her. Over Christmas she asked if they did a Christmas Eve Service and he said no, they hadn’t thought about that. She said if they did one she would go to it. So, they planned a Christmas Eve Service and she came

c. I’ve heard of some church ladies who would keep an eye on the housing market in the community. When new people moved in they would bake them some treat, knock on their door, and invite them to church

4. The road is paved, the gospel is ready, the time is now!

III. The Core (Fruit?) of Ministry (v. 21-28)

-There’s lots of opportunities. How can we know they’ll make a difference and be successful? Jesus makes the difference (v. 21-28)

A. Jesus made the difference for…

1. Scripture (v. 21-22) and for people (v. 23-26)

2. That kind of ministry tends not to stay quiet. News got around and Jesus got all the glory

B. A successful, effective ministry has some core values that glorify God

1. It’s Scriptural (God’s commands, God’s principles, God’s fruit)

2. It’s powerful. When Jesus is the heart and focus we can do more than we ever imagined possible

a. A demon spoke to Jesus and those around Him. Evil tries to instill doubt or obstacles

1. You don’t feel like you can? It’s Him doing it through you, so do it anyway

2. It’s too lofty a goal? Maybe for man by himself but not for God

b. Demons may speak but Jesus silences them. God changes people. God is able, are you willing?

3. The road is paved, the gospel is ready, the time is now!

C. What is your ministry about?

1. Connecting people to God? (prophecy, teaching, Scripture, prayer)

2. Or is it about building people up? (encouragement, serving, mercy, giving)

3. Whatever you decide to do to serve God make sure your purpose and your core values matches His because He is the one who bears fruit through you

Conclusion

A. We are growing in Jesus to be like Him in character and in conduct. We need all the areas covered

1. Keep Him and His gospel as the purpose so that “as they see your good deeds they will glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Grow in Jesus: Learn, Serve, Share

2. Serve where there’s a need, where your heart is, and do it together

3. Make the core of your ministry Scriptural and powerful by relying on Jesus to bear the fruit

B. News will spread, God will be glorified, and we will all grow in Jesus together

The Road is Paved, the Gospel is Ready, the Time is Now!

Let’s Grow in Jesus together!