Philosphy of ministry

I have decided to post what I believe to be a biblical example of minister's "call to duty" I hope this helps others as they discover/are discovery who God has called them to be, besides just speakign from the pulpit.

-Mike

Philosophy of Ministry
1 Tim 4:16
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. NIV
Acts 6:4
4 give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." NIV


1. Pray(er) – , Matt 14:23; Luke 6:12; Acts 6:4; 1 Thess. 5:17; James 5:16

2. Ministry of the Word Acts 6:4,
a. Study – Proverbs 10:14, 15:14; Acts 6:4; 2 Tim 3:14, 4:2
b. Preach – 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 4:2;
c. Teach – Titus 2:1-10, 15; 1 Tim 3:2; I Tim 4: 13;2 Tim 4:2,
d. Correct – 2 Tim 4:2
e. Rebuke – Titus 1:13, 2 Tim 4:2; Titus 2:25, 3:10
f. Encourage – 2 Tim 4:2; Titus 2:15; Eph 4:11

3. Guard personal Life –
· Obey God, Not man – Acts 5:29, Gal 1:10
· Keep Watch Over self - Acts 20: 28-31
· Watch yourself or you may be tempted -Gal 6: 1-5
· Test Everything, Hold onto Good, Avoid Evil - 1 Thes 5:22&22
· Don’t listens to myths, old wives tales, train self to be godly -I Tim 4: 6-8,
· Do not show favoritism, Do lay on hands quickly, Stay Pure - 1 Tim 5:21&22
· Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness- 1 Tim 6: 11&12
· Guard what is in my care, turn away from godless talk and opposing ideas
(that do not line up with the Bible) -1 Tim 6:20
· Guard the Gospel, with the help from the Holy Spirit -2 Tim 1:14-16
· Correctly handle the Word of God, avoid Godless Chatter – 2 Tim 2:15-16
· Flee desires of youth, avoid foolish arguments -2 Tim 2: 22-26
· Keep your wits, endure hardship, be available -2 Tim 4:5
· Fix Eyes on Jesus – Heb 12:2
· Try to live in peace with everyone, and be holy; Watch out for bitterness in self and others- Heb 12:14-15
· Do what the Word says – James 1:22
· Be Self–Controlled, and alert for the devil and his schemes -1 Peter 5:8

4. Guard the Flock
· Watch out for false prophets -Matthew 7:15
· “Brother who sins against you” Mathew 18: 15-17
· Keep watch over Flock -Acts 20: 28-31
· Warn against: quarreling about words (ruins those who listen) - 2 Tim 2:14
· Encourage with sound doctrine, refute those who oppose it Titus 1:9
· Warn a divisive person once, twice, and then have nothing to them with Titus 3: 9-10

5. Find Trust Worthy men to help lead the Congregation/Appoint Elders
· Elders ordained by Paul and Baranabus - Acts 14:23
· Laying on the hands to ordain elders, do not do it to unworthy men - I Timothy 5:22
· Entrust teachings to men who are qualified to teach others - 2 Timothy 2:2
· Straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders -Titus 1:5

6. Work with fellow leaders as a team to “run” the church
· Church Discipline - Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Tim 5:20
· Feed and take care of Jesus’ sheep -John 21: 15-20
· Keep Watch over the flock, that was purchased with Christ Blood -Acts 20:28
· Restore the erring brother - Gal 6:1&2, James 5:19-20
· Manage the Church -1 Tim 3: 4-5
· Direct the affairs of the church - 1 Tim 5:17
· Pray for the sick, anoint with oil – James 5:14
· Shepherd the Flock, with a willing spirit -1 Peter 5: 1-4

7. Be an example of Christian Living/ Give an Account before God
· God judges, He will bring to light what is in men’s heart - 1 Cor 4:4&5
· We are not trying to please men, but God who judges the heart -1 Thess 2:4
· Don’t let others look down on you, be the example of Christian living. -- 1 Tim 4:12
· Imitate the faith of your leaders, look to their lives, as examples of faith. They must give an account before God and Jesus -Hebrews 13:7, 17
· We who teach are judged more strictly -James 3:1
· Be an example to the flock – 1 Peter 5:3



8. Use talents and Abilities/ Spiritual Gifts to expand God’s Kingdom
· Parable of the Talents – Use them or lose them Matthew 25: 14-30
· Jesus gave us gifts, talents, etc to prepare people for the works of service, so that the church may be built up, Etc - Eph 4:11-16
· Spur one another on toward love and good deeds -Heb 10:24


9. What all of this looks like

We have a man equipped, appointed, anointed by God, not only to help lead God’s church which Christ is the head of, but to make sure that the mans’ own family makes it to heaven too.

There will be some weeks where I am at work around 40 hours and others around a 100 or more. Ministry is not a job, it is calling and a lifestyle. There will be funerals, weddings, counseling, meetings, classes to teach, conventions to attend and emergencies. Plus making sure the pulpit is full every week. There are songs to be sung to God and our Savior on Sunday morning. There will be disagreements to work out, and biblical discipline to gently hand out.

I will stumble, I will fail you, I will fail God. Like Timothy I will hope to be an example of what a Christian looks like, and yet I know that no single man can embody the fullness of Christ Jesus, and no body should expect me to.

I know my gifts include: Speaking the Word of God, Teaching the Word of God, Counseling, Praise and Worship, Exhortation, and Leadership.
I have not been given these for my benefit; they are for the benefit of you and the Kingdom of God. Just as the church doesn’t live for itself; the church lives to serve the world that God and Christ created.

I have at least a duel role – Lead the people into a relationship and teach them the ways of Christ Jesus and help equip them for serving the Kingdom of God. That is why the plurality of shepherds is so important, and the fact that everybody has been called to serve, not only Christ Jesus, but also His church. We are all called to be ministers, and to use our gifts to bring glory to God and serve each other. shepherd-servant-teacher-prayer warrior-singer-mercy shower- musician-drama jock-poet-artist-gift giver-rancher-mechanic-ETC
We are all called to serve God period.We are all called to die to ourselves and live for Jesus.

I will live my life in front of others because the Bible says that I am to be an example. I commit to lead a life of prayer .I commit to study and searching the scriptures. I commit to take one day off a month for a spiritual retreat (Music, Bible, and notebook)- Jesus, often went off by himself to pray. I commit to learning: be it by books, the Internet, magazines, conferences, or time with other ministers .I commit to being available 24/7 - 365 to the flock, which God has put me over (unless on Vacation). I commit to being the spiritual head of my household, and raising my girls to know Jesus

My Goals
· Help people serve God, while boldly proclaiming His Word.
· To the best of my ability live an exemplary Christian Lifestyle.
· Build relationships with church members and members of the community
· Follow God




Imperfect and serving Jesus,

Michael