Ministry in the church

The responsibilities of those in recognised ministry

As shepherds

Acts 20:28 HCSB

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock that the Holy Spirit has appointed you to as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

See also

As watchmen

Hebrews 13:17 HCSB

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

See also ;

As teachers

1 Timothy 3:2 HCSB

An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,

See also ;

As examples

1 Timothy 4:16 HCSB

Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

See also ;

What believers owe to those with recognised ministries

Respect

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 HCSB

Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

See also ;

Obedience

Hebrews 13:17 HCSB

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

See also

Support

Despite Jesus Christ’s command, Paul did not claim his rights in this matter, but supported himself as a tentmaker.

See also ; ; ;

Prayer

Romans 15:30 HCSB

Now I appeal to you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf.

See also ; ; ;

Hospitality

Philippians 2:29–30 HCSB

Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with all joy and hold men like him in honor, because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

See also

Imitation

Hebrews 13:7 HCSB

Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.

Recognised ministers should encourage the ministries of other believers

Colossians 4:17 HCSB

And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”

See also ; The Holy Spirit allocates gifts and enables ministries. No individual has all the gifts; ministry is shared and mutual; ;

The motivation of ministry is mutual love

Galatians 5:13 HCSB

For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.

See also ; ; ; ; ; ;

How love is expressed in mutual ministry

In humility

Ephesians 4:2 HCSB

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love,

See also ; ; ;

In patience

1 Thessalonians 5:14 HCSB

And we exhort you, brothers: warn those who are irresponsible, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

See also

In acceptance and forbearance

Romans 15:7 HCSB

Therefore accept one another, just as the Messiah also accepted you, to the glory of God.

See also

In kindness, compassion and forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32 HCSB

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

See also ;

In burden-bearing

Galatians 6:2 HCSB

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

In encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11 HCSB

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

See also ;

In teaching and admonition

Colossians 3:16 HCSB

Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.

See also ; ;

In prayer and confession of sin

James 5:16 HCSB

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

In hospitality

1 Peter 4:9 HCSB

Be hospitable to one another without complaining.