Philosophy of Ministry
Having Proper Views
In our desire to please the Lord and fulfill His purposes in the earth, we believe it is important not only to have proper ministry goals in view, but proper methods and attitudes as well. Thus we subscribe to the following Philosophy of Ministry:
SERVANTHOOD
We will fail in our mission to see the life of Christ formed in others if we do not exemplify it in ourselves. Perhaps nowhere does the nature and character of Christ shine in contrast to the spirit of this world than in His posture as a servant. If Deity can humble Himself to take the form of a bond slave (Phil.2: 7), can we as mere mortals dare to do anything less. Thus, as much as lies within us, we will endeavor to have this same mind that was in Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5) and serve our brethren and humanity in humility and simplicity of spirit.
EQUIPPING
We firmly believe that God’s work is not to be done by a gifted few. Rather, the ascended Christ has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip or prepare all of the Lord’s people to do work of the ministry to the end that His Church would reach the fullness in quantity and quality which He intends (Eph. 4:11-13). Thus we reject such artificial distinctions as clergy/laity in God’s people and secular/Christian in their work.
TEAM MINISTRY
When Christ sent out His disciples by two’s He established a pattern of team ministry, which continued, after His ascension. Thus we see in the book of Acts extra-local ministry carried on by apostolic bands which were led by leaders coupled together such as Peter/John or Paul/Barnabas, and later Paul/Silas and Barnabas/Mark. At the local level, elders in plurality were established to give guidance and care to each new community of believers. From Scripture and experience we have grown to appreciate the inherent wisdom and value of team ministry:
- In the multitude of counselors there is safety and wisdom (Prov. 11:14; 15:22). If one falters the others can pick him up. (Eccl. 4:9-12)
- No one person has all the needed gifts for a situation, thus they can complement one another
- A team ministry provides a mini-workshop of how the whole body is supposed to function in coordination and cooperation with each other.
Scripture quotations are generally from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, by the Lockman Foundation.
