Ministries

Last updated on July 31, 2020

I still have references to look up

The Bible doesn’t give an exhaustive list of ministries (1 Corinthians 12:4)

1. 1. • Shepherding (Acts 20:28)

      • Leadership (1 Corinthians 16:15-16)

      • Feeding the Poor (Romans 12:13, Proverbs 22:9)  Find Bible Verse

      • Collecting/Distributing money for the poor Find Bible Verse

The dictionary defines ministry as the work or vocation of religion.  This better defines a minister.  Ministry has to do with work.  For example, in government, the department head of position is considered the minister of (or ministry of).  So for our purposes, a ministry best describe a work or group of works that meet a need.  It has nothing to do with formal religious training.

For example, a Music Minister may have no religious qualifications but has the skills necessary to lead or prepare the Worship songs.  Some churches refer to this person or position as the Worship leader.  The benevolence ministry is another example of a group that meets people’s needs but those that serve in this ministry, do not necessarily have formal Christian training.

Ministries are typically managed by teams, though there is no Biblical mandate to necessitate more than one person being involved in a ministry.  However, I believe that it would be best that every ministry function as a team if no other purpose than to help reduce potential accusation of misuse of materials and/or money.  It doesn’t happen often but if it can be accusation can be quelled before it is even made, why wouldn’t a church want this?  Also, why take a chance on making a black mark on a ministry team, church or even Christ by not being vigilant and trying to avoid any pitfalls?

Here is no hard and fast category for ministries, but you could consider ministries to be internal and external.  Internal ministries would generally be to serve Christians in the church, essentially strengthening the Christians knowledge of Jesus.  While externally, ministries are to assist in the spreading of the Gospel in the community (and the world) and to meet people’s physical needs.

To spread the Gospel externally, the Church needs to show love.  Local churches share the Gospel while helping people in the community with their hunger, shelter, clothing and the like.  Activates such as property clean-up, taking people shopping or to the doctor are all ministry activities.  How they are categorized or what they are called is not of any real importance other than to have conversations about those activities.  Though the focus groups for external ministries are those that don’t know Christ or do not have a healthy relationship with Him, the same services may be needed by members of the congregation.

Internally, a church should have a shepherd, worship ministry, leadership, teaching, fellowship or hospitality, youth, adult, property, and finance.  Some other good ones would be a prayer, missionary, men’s and women’s and special needs.

Like a lot of things of the Church, Christ left a lot of leeway and latitude to perform the Great Commission to the local churches abilities and needs.  Some churches will combine the above; some will expand and add many, many more.  The important thing is to not loose people, internally or externally, in the administration duties of the church.  Technically, the church is a ministry.  And everyone no matter where you are with God, fall into at least one ministry somewhere (either as a server or as one being served).

As a New Christian or a Christian looking for a new church home, see what ministries are available at a church.  Use them to your benefit and also, serve on what you can to help others.