Ministry in the church

The responsibilities of those in recognised ministry

As shepherds

Acts 20:28 KJV 1900

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

See also 1 Pe 5:2

As watchmen

Hebrews 13:17 KJV 1900

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

See also Ro 16:17; Php 3:2

As teachers

1 Timothy 3:2 KJV 1900

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

See also 2 Ti 2:2; 2 Ti 2:24

As examples

1 Timothy 4:16 KJV 1900

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

See also Ac 20:28; 1 Pe 5:3

What believers owe to those with recognised ministries

Respect

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 KJV 1900

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

See also Php 2:29; 1 Ti 5:17

Obedience

Hebrews 13:17 KJV 1900

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

See also 1 Co 16:15–16

Support

1 Co 9:14 Despite Jesus Christ’s command, Paul did not claim his rights in this matter, but supported himself as a tentmaker.

See also Lk 10:7; Ga 6:6; 1 Ti 5:18; Dt 25:4

Prayer

Romans 15:30 KJV 1900

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

See also Eph 6:19; Php 1:19; 1 Th 5:25; Heb 13:18

Hospitality

Philippians 2:29–30 KJV 1900

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

See also Ga 4:14

Imitation

Hebrews 13:7 KJV 1900

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Recognised ministers should encourage the ministries of other believers

Colossians 4:17 KJV 1900

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

See also Ro 12:6–8; 1 Co 12:4–11 The Holy Spirit allocates gifts and enables ministries. No individual has all the gifts; ministry is shared and mutual; Eph 4:7; Eph 4:11–13

The motivation of ministry is mutual love

Galatians 5:13 KJV 1900

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

See also Ro 12:10; Ro 13:8; Col 3:12–14; 1 Th 3:12; Heb 13:1; 1 Pe 1:22; 1 Jn 3:23

How love is expressed in mutual ministry

In humility

Ephesians 4:2 KJV 1900

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

See also Ro 12:10; Ro 12:16; Ga 5:26; 1 Pe 5:5

In patience

1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV 1900

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

See also Jas 5:9

In acceptance and forbearance

Romans 15:7 KJV 1900

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

See also Col 3:13

In kindness, compassion and forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32 KJV 1900

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

See also Col 3:13; 1 Th 5:15

In burden-bearing

Galatians 6:2 KJV 1900

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

In encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV 1900

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

See also Heb 3:13; Heb 10:24–25

In teaching and admonition

Colossians 3:16 KJV 1900

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

See also Ro 15:14; Eph 5:19; 1 Th 5:14

In prayer and confession of sin

James 5:16 KJV 1900

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

In hospitality

1 Peter 4:9 KJV 1900

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.