Ministry is God’s plan for every believer and it includes but is not limited to:

Getting dirty to make others clean.

Fulfilling your assignment and doing your part.

Serving Christ, no matter what.

(Ministry is…How to Serve with Passion and Confidence: Dave Earley, Ben Gutierrez)

Biblical Basis

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV)

Discussion Questions

Based upon the above scripture, who has chosen you and what has he chosen to do through you?

Biblical Basis

No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 1 Corinthians 12:22 (NKJV)

Discussion Questions

“Does it matter if every member of the body is serving in some capacity or not? Give reasons for your answer.”

Biblical Basis

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12 (KJV)

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NKJV)

Discussion Question

Using 1 Peter 2:12 and 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, discuss this statement: “Every believer is to glorify God in all areas of their life.”

Biblical Basis

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)

Discussion Questions

Looking at your personality and passion, natural and spiritual gifting along with your experiences, where do you think would be the best fit for you to serve in the local church?

Key Points

Every believer is a chosen vessel and is a part of the priesthood of believers.

Every believer is a part of God’s plan for the church.

Every believer is to glorify God in all areas of their life.

Every believer has been given a spiritual gift from the Lord to be used for effective ministry.

Ministry = Service

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV)

Equipping the Saints:

The five-fold ministry offices are: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.

They were established by God to equip the saints.

Doing the Work of Ministry:

The body of Christ (the Saints) should be equipped by the five-fold ministry offices to do the work of the ministry.

As the body of Christ does the work of the ministry:

1. There will be edification of the body.

2. There will be unity of faith.

3. There will be knowledge of the Son of God.

4. The Body of Christ will come unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

5. Each man will come into perfection by God’s standard.