Philosophy of Ministry

If I had to express my philosophy of ministry, it would be based upon the following two Bible references:

“And He said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called “Benefactors.” But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.’” (Luke 22:25-26)

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Both of passages express the Biblical concept of servant leadership. This concept is the practical application for the Church of Jesus’ readjustment of power structures (Matthew 5:3-10; 20:16; Luke 4:18-19; 1 Peter 5:1-3) and which he himself embodied (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-7; Philippians 2:7). While leadership in the world works in a top-down arrangement in which the leader exercises authority over others and they serve his wishes, the model Jesus taught for the Church was the reversal of this. In the Church the leader is there to serve those “under” him, to sacrifice himself for those with whom he serves.

God has given the people of the Church the gifts, talents, and abilities to fulfill the task and the purposes that he gives them. It is up to the minister/pastor to support those volunteers in their service, giving them the resources, aid, encouragement, that they need to be the best servants of God as possible. Volunteers are not there to support the minister; the minister is there to support the volunteers. It is through that support that God accomplishes his Kingdom goals.