Important Philosophy of Ministry Issues

Important Philosophy of Ministry Issues

I. The Role and Responsibility of the Pastor

A. Carefully guard his relationship with God and others.
Acts 20:28 - Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves...
I Peter 5:3 - ...but being examples to the flock.
I Tim. 3:2-7 - Qualifications for pastoral leadership

Areas that are especially emphasized in the NT as potential “trouble-spots” for pastors:
1. Pride - I Peter 5:5 - Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
2. “Lording it over” the flock - I Peter 5:3 - Neither as being lords over God’s heritage... Devil, walking around seeking whom he may devour.
3. ____________ - I Peter 5:2 - not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind.
4. _______________ - I Timothy 4:7 - ...exercise yourself rather unto godliness. Self-starter.
5. An ___________________ spirit - II Timothy 2:24 - And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. Choose battles wisely.
6. Only preaching what is popular - Acts 20:20 - And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you...
B. _____________ God’s people His word.
I Peter 5:2 - feed the flock of God which is among you...
Acts 20:28 - Take heed...to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.
**In a way that helps them grow and change in practical areas of life.
Eph. 4:11-12 - And he gave...pastor/teachers for the perfecting of the saints...
**Publicly in large groups and privately in “ones and twos”
Acts 20:31 - Therefore, watch, and remember, that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Implication?

C. _____________ God’s people to do the work of ministry.
Eph. 4:11-12 - And he gave...pastor/teachers for the equipping (NASB) of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Implication?

D. ____________ God’s people of false doctrine.
I Tim. 1:3 - As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus, when I went to Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.
Acts 20:29-31 - For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore, watch, and remember, that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Implication?

E. _________, _______________, and _______________ Christ’s church.
I Peter 5:2 - Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight of it.
Heb. 13:17 - Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch over your souls, as they that must give account...
I Tim. 3:5 - For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?
Implication?

II. The Role and Responsibility of the Deacons

A. The office of deacon is ______________ of high honor.
I Tim. 3:13 - For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Implication?

B. Deacons must meet high _______________ standards.
Acts 6:3 - Wherefore, brethren, look among you for seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom...
I Tim. 3:8-12 - Qualifications for deacons
Implication?

C. The office of deacon was _________________ by God to “free up” the pastors so they could devote themselves to prayer and study of the Word.
Acts 6:2 - It is not fitting that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables.
Implication?

D. Deacons are, fundamentally speaking, ______________.
cf. the meaning of the word - diakonos - servant.
cf. the usage of the word - 98 uses, never decision-making
cf. going to a home in Greece. That’s the word God chose.

E. Deacons are the “first line” of men who are being ______________ to do the work of the ministry.
Eph. 4:11-12 - And he gave...pastor/teachers for the equipping (NASB) of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Implication?
The men the pastors are going to be pouring their life into are the ones the church has selected as being most advanced in holiness.

F. Deacons derive their decision making power, not by virtue of the office, but by virtue of our view of congregational church government.
Implication?