Philosophy of Ministry

1 Corinthians 9:19–27 NIV

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Freedom from all to be a slave to all

Priveledge of GCWP employment

We are expected to serve God alone - not people, the gospel alone, not culture,

But we are also paid - unlike Paul!

We are free but we have chosen (been called to) minisrty slavery!

How -

1 - All things to all.

Understand culture,

Invest in people,

Love people

Get involved in the world - but don’t be of the world.

It will mean doing things we don’t naturally want to do or enjoy. - Hense...

2 - Work really hard!

Run all out! v24.

We’re not just in a race - we need to do all we can to win the race!

Don’t waste time, don’t be idle, work on an effective and purposeful stratergy.

Dicipline yourselves! v27!!!

Why - The Priveledge of Gospel work. v23,

Priveledge of Gospel work. v23,

There is an imperishable crown. v25

Don’t just talk about it,

Live it, breath it, be it, share it - v27

All Effort for One Prize