Ministry has been defined as a divine charge, divine assignment, a life task, a job, purpose of existence, vision and objectives (II Tim. 4:5-8, Col. 4:17, Acts 20:22-24; 1:17:12:2 1:17; 12:24-25, II Cor. 4:1).
It is usually given to one by the Lord. In a broad sense, ministry includes all the functions or profession of a clergyman or church minister. Therefore, people that have been ordained and are called Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists and Teachers regard themselves to be in the ministry. Eph. 4:11:13. But in the narrow sense of it and the focus of our seminar; it is that special calling and gift of God in a Christian’s life, either he is a professional minister or not. Romans 12:6-8. It is that personal calling of God to a special area of need – to affect people positively.
a. Facts of Ministry – Matt. 28:19-20, Mark 15:16
- We are saved for ministry
- Called for ministry
- Commissioned for ministry
- Commanded for ministry
- Authorized for ministry
- Gifted for ministry
- Anointed for ministry
- Rewarded for ministry
The primary purpose of ministry is to bless others. God’s purpose of giving ministry to individuals is so that we might be of benefit to our generation.
- Your success, promotion and prosperity is in your ministry.
- You cannot enjoy God’s blessing outside your ministry.
- You cannot succeed outside God’s ministry for you.
- Locating your ministry is the key to your location.
- Your impact in life depends on your faithfulness to your ministry.
- Working outside your ministry is being out of god’s favour, blessing, peace and upliftment.
Churches and denominational leaders have sadly not allowed ministries to thrive. Christians with personal ministries have been villified, persecuted and trampled upon, thereby abandoning ministries that could have benefit the body of Christ and expand His kingdom.
b. How to Discover Your Ministry
- Know Christ intimately.
- Surrender absolutely to His Lordship.
- Get ready to obey Him.
- Desire to be a blessing to others.
- Pray and seek His face.
- Be sensitive to His leading in your life.
- Know your area of effectiveness.
- Signs of ministry are burden, desire, longing, dream, concern.
It is not every ministry and calling that should become a church. Wrong notions, counsellings and examples have led people with singing, worship, praying, teaching, prophetic, power and evangelistic ministries to turn it to church and struggling, stagnation and backsliding have been the outcome.
Recommended Reading
Ten Practical Tips For Developing A Habit Of Prayer
The Dos and Don’ts of Christian Online Dating
Seven Principles of Kingdom Leadership
Top Ten Lessons from the Life of Rebekah
10 Things I Know About Ministry
1. Your ministry is your gift. You must stand for something, or else you will fall everything.
2. Your ministry is your passport to the land of success.
3. Your ministry must be to the glory of God and service of humanity. Changed lives is the mark of effective ministry.
4. It is one thing to have ministry, it is quite another thing to fulfill it. Ministry is production and result.
5. Your relationship with God determines your Altitude.
6. Ministry and money are Siemens twins.
7. Not every ministry will end in a church.
8. Character is the backbone of ministry.
9. In-between your ministry and achievement-you need perseverance.
10. Wisdom is the principal thing in ministry.