1. THE FATHER’S INSTITUTE (TFI)
BASIC CLASS 109

2. COURSE: CATCHING THE SPIRIT OF THE MINISTRY & THE PLACE OF DISCIPLINE
TEXT: Heb.12:5-11; ICor.5:3-13; Num.11:16-17; Acts.1:21, 22

3. OBJECTIVE
To understand the role of discipline in operating with the unique spirit of the Church

4. INTRODUCTION
Every Church is unique in the way they operate and this is governed by the spirit of the ministry. The spirit of the ministry is the several dealings of God on the life of the Sent Man which now reveals itself in the way the affairs of the Church operates. God chooses to operate with every Church in such unique ways because there is an aspect of Him He wants to reveal.

5. So, this is a two-part lesson.
 Every minister has a peculiar anointing on his life which leads to a unique ministry. When you join a Church, you have to re-learn certain things such as the spoken and unspoken philosophy of the Church.
Now, discipline in the Church is what will ensure that every member is able to walk and work within the confines of the way the spirit of the Church operates.
So, this is a two-part lesson.

6. CATCHING THE SPIRIT.

7. THINGS THAT MAY HINDER ONE FROM CATCHING THE SPIRIT
Preconceived mindset e.g. Bible School graduates, seasoned ministers
Always after what you can benefit e.g. wanting to associate with a ‘big’ church.

8. SEVEN THINGS YOU MUST CATCH IN THE FATHER’S HOUSE
Our Vision of the house which is …Raising Sons…
Our Mission - i.e. Our general trend of thinking which believes that, as a son you are expected to passionately live out who you are in Christ Jesus.
The Doctrines and Standards of the house - as a church we uphold the standards of the word of God. Our beliefs and teachings are based only on God’s word.

9. THINGS YOU MUST CATCH IN THE FATHER’S HOUSE (CNTD)
We have a system of small groups in The Father’s House (Cell System) and this is an integral part of the church. (Acts.2:19). Every Church worker must be an active part of a home cell.
We believe every believer must be a worker. You need to belong to a unit or an activity group in The Father’s House.

10. THINGS YOU MUST CATCH IN THE FATHER’S HOUSE (CNTD)
The Emphasis of the House - our emphasis is on the Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching of the undiluted word of God
vii. The Anointing of the house - i.e. this is the principal thing – the lubricant that makes the work easy {Grace, Mercy & Favor}

11. HOW TO CATCH THE SPIRIT OF THE MINISTRY
Follow the vision, value, doctrine and emphasis of the ministry.
You must desire the grace 2Kings 2:9 – The spirit causing him to achieve the results he is achieving Acts 2:42. Since the proof of desire is in pursuit, you must be found giving yourself to the demands of the ministry.
iii. Pursue the grace of the set man – Jn.6:63. The spirit of a man is upon his words. Elisha was relentlessly after Elijah and he eventually got the anointing needed.

12. HOW TO CATCH THE SPIRIT OF THE MINISTRY (CNTD)
Minister to the man of God –Gal.6:6, Heb.7:7. If you minister to the needs of the Set Man (prayerfully, financially, physically etc.) over you, you will doubtlessly catch the spirit in him (Matthew 10:52; Num. 11: 16-17)
Be faithful, loyal and of a pure motive. In this kingdom we all must pass the faithfulness test. Seek to produce same results. Be immovable (Luke 10: 38-42; I Cor. 15: 58).
vi. Pursue knowledge. This is the wood that fires the anointing. Information is the baseline for transformation.

13. THE PLACE OF DISCIPLINE

14. It is important we maintain discipline in the house so that the spirit of the ministry can continue and be undiluted. We must constantly turn to discipline because each member is different from another and our understanding and approach and hence submission to the spirit of the ministry varies. Thus, discipline helps to keep all in line and on track to the guiding spirit.

15. WHAT IS DISCIPLINE?
Instruction, Teachings, to disciple. Training that corrects, molds or perfects the mental faculties or morals Punishment, to inflict pain or a penalty. A rule or system of rules which governs conduct or activity.
Discipline guides the immature, stabilizes the weak and causes people to come to maturity in the Lord.

16. WHY DO WE NEED DISCIPLINE?
For order and to bring growth to every part of the Church
To help us run and achieve our mandate
To deal with sin and prepare us for holy walk with the Lord (I Cor. 5: 6; Gal 6: 1-2)
Necessary to uphold the moral standard of God’s word, maintaining the holiness of God in the church.
Discipline is basically designed to make order and happiness possible. Without it there will be lawlessness and anarchy (Judge 18:1, 19:1, 21:25)

17. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF DISCIPLINE
Adam and Eve received divine discipline and judgment for sin (Gen.3 Rom.3:23)
Miriam was smitten with leprosy for sin of criticism of leadership (Num.12) she was restored after 7days Achan was Judged by death (Joshua 7:13-26, 5:11)
The young man in ICor.5 restored in II Cor.2

18. WHAT OFFENCES REQUIRE CHURCH DISCIPLINE?
Doctrine not according to godliness (ITim.6:3-5)
Doctrine of idolatry and immorality (Rom. 2:12-17)
Doctrine which brings division contrary to apostles doctrine (rom.16:17,18)

19. BENEFITS OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE?
Keeps us following God’s word more closely (ps.119:67)
The correction of discipline is the way to life(Prov.6:23)
Discipline promises right living (Heb.12:11)
It keeps us from being condemned (ICor.11:32)

20. CONCLUSION
The New Testament shows various things that have to come under divine discipline in the church. Unless leadership deals with those in error, then the whole congregation can be defiled.