“The Nuts and Bolts Of Ministry” (Part One)

As a parent, I can tell you that the number one question a child ever asks contains only one word: “Why?” No matter what the issue might be, or what the concern might be, a child always wants to know why. Somewhere along the way, however, we stop asking “why” and start asking “so what?”. We turn a corner and become less concerned about why things are significant and become only concerned with what I might get out of it.

Unfortunately, this thinking has invaded the church and Christian ministry as well. Instead of seeking the eternal by pursuing “why” we only are concerned with what works. The Bible, however, makes it clear that the “what” issues of ministry, while important, always take second place to the issue of why—why Jesus came, why He had to die, why we preach the Gospel. That is why I felt there would be value in looking today at why we do this ministry. A mission statement tells what we do, a vision statement tells how we do it—still, we must come to grips with WHY. Why do we do ministry? What is the goal? To find some answers to both the how, why, and what questions, please turn to 1 Timothy 1:5…

“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Tim. 1:5)

             There, in one package we get the basic information we need—the how, the what, and, especially, the why.

I. The Task of the Mission- WHAT

            Notice Paul’s words, and remember that he was writing to a young pastor. As he does

            “Our instruction”

            This is the basis of all ministry—to teach and instruct the message of the Word of God so that hearts and lives would be changed. In Matthew 28:19-20, we see the Great Commission as twofold. Not only is it to reach people with the message of the cross, it is also to “teach all things” Jesus has commanded. Likewise, in 2 Peter 3:18 we are told to “grow in the (grace and) knowledge of Christ.” These statements remind us of the significance of the teaching ministry of the Word of God, and the impact that it must have on the lives of people that we minister to. We cannot change hearts, but the Word of God can—this is the significance of our “instruction.”

            Having seen the what of ministry, we will look again on Wednesday to see the why of ministry.

2 Responses to ““The Nuts and Bolts Of Ministry” (Part One)”

1. poohpity says:

   May 12, 2009 at 11:28 am

   I wonder if like children we could tell them the what till the cows come home but if they do not see the what in our lives the lessons remain lost. I am afraid that our Christian faith has become words with no action attached. As our Lord displayed when He chose to show us the way in flesh and walk the talk. The he sat down with His disciples after, during and while He was ministering. Then He explained the why. I feel frightened that the church is loosing it’s witness because we tend to say all the what’s of ministry without really leading by example.
2. Bill Crowder says:

   May 12, 2009 at 11:40 pm

   I share your concern, poohpity. As we continue working through the verse, the why and how are very much in the direction you’ve expressed. Thanks for sharing