Eschatology and Ecclesiology The Ministry of the Church

The Ministry of All Members Christ is the High Priest for believers in the church. Christ is the High Priest for believers in the church. All church saints constitute a “royal priesthood” (1 Pet 2:9). All of life is to be offered as a living sacrifice to God (Rom 12:1). All church saints constitute a “royal priesthood” (1 Pet 2:9). All of life is to be offered as a living sacrifice to God (Rom 12:1). Universality of ministry is evident in the distribution of various gifts by the Spirit to various members (1 Cor 12:7, 18). All are necessary for the proper functioning of the Body. Universality of ministry is evident in the distribution of various gifts by the Spirit to various members (1 Cor 12:7, 18). All are necessary for the proper functioning of the Body.

The Nature of the Ministry The dominant theme of ministry is service (Matt 20:26-27). The dominant theme of ministry is service (Matt 20:26-27). The church does what it does because of what Christ has done, but also as an extension of His ministry in the world today. Christ set the ultimate example of humility and service. The church does what it does because of what Christ has done, but also as an extension of His ministry in the world today. Christ set the ultimate example of humility and service. The NT terminology for believers as slaves (doulos, Rom 1:1; Jam 1:1; Jude 1; Rev 1:1; 1 Pet 2:16) and performing ministry (diakonia, Acts 1:17, 25; 2 Cor 5:18; Eph 4:12; Col 1:25) confirms this. The NT terminology for believers as slaves (doulos, Rom 1:1; Jam 1:1; Jude 1; Rev 1:1; 1 Pet 2:16) and performing ministry (diakonia, Acts 1:17, 25; 2 Cor 5:18; Eph 4:12; Col 1:25) confirms this.

The Ministries of the Church As already noted, the gifts for the ministry of the members are varied (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:8- 10). These can be generally grouped as ministries concerning the: As already noted, the gifts for the ministry of the members are varied (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:8- 10). These can be generally grouped as ministries concerning the: preaching and teaching the Word; preaching and teaching the Word; leadership and administration; leadership and administration; the physical well being of the body. the physical well being of the body. Each member is responsible to exercise the gifts that God has given him (1 Pet 4:10). Each member is responsible to exercise the gifts that God has given him (1 Pet 4:10). Some gifts were foundational for authenticating God’s New Testament messengers and, after some period, ceased to exist (1 Cor 13:8). Some gifts were foundational for authenticating God’s New Testament messengers and, after some period, ceased to exist (1 Cor 13:8).

The Ordered Ministries General (Eph 4:11) – all involve some ministry of the Word General (Eph 4:11) – all involve some ministry of the Word Apostles – directly appointed messengers of Christ. Eyewitnesses of his ministry and resurrection. Their teaching formed the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20; 3:5; 2 Pet 3:2; Jude 17). Apostles – directly appointed messengers of Christ. Eyewitnesses of his ministry and resurrection. Their teaching formed the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20; 3:5; 2 Pet 3:2; Jude 17). Prophets – spoke directly from God, with the purpose of providing edification to the church (1 Cor 14:3-4). Often mentioned with the apostles, their ministry was also foundational and particularly important in the beginning of the church. Prophets – spoke directly from God, with the purpose of providing edification to the church (1 Cor 14:3-4). Often mentioned with the apostles, their ministry was also foundational and particularly important in the beginning of the church. Evangelists – Only three NT references (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim 4:5; Eph 4:11). Their role was (and is) to proclaim Christ where He was (and is) not already named. Evangelists – Only three NT references (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim 4:5; Eph 4:11). Their role was (and is) to proclaim Christ where He was (and is) not already named. Teachers – Mentioned in 1 Cor 12:28 and Eph 4:11. Edify the congregation by means of their own clearer understanding of God’s revelation. Their function becomes increasingly important as apostles and prophets begin to pass off the scene. Teachers – Mentioned in 1 Cor 12:28 and Eph 4:11. Edify the congregation by means of their own clearer understanding of God’s revelation. Their function becomes increasingly important as apostles and prophets begin to pass off the scene.

The Ordered Ministries Local – The NT refers to two offices in the local church: Local – The NT refers to two offices in the local church: Bishop, elder, of pastor – Study of NT usage demonstrates these terms are interchangeable. Key function is oversight, caring for and feeding the flock of God with His word. There is to be a plurality in leadership. Bishop, elder, of pastor – Study of NT usage demonstrates these terms are interchangeable. Key function is oversight, caring for and feeding the flock of God with His word. There is to be a plurality in leadership. Deacon – Key function is service, meeting physical needs of the body. Deacon – Key function is service, meeting physical needs of the body. Both must be qualified according to the standards in 1 Tim 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Both must be qualified according to the standards in 1 Tim 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9.

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