Definition of Ministry
Christian ministry is following the lead of the Holy Spirit for the benefit of others. It is the continuation of Jesus’ project of bringing heaven to earth--and we are all called to it.
Distortions of helping others for their good:
- Helping others to feel good about myself
- Helping others to gain their respect/attention/praise
- Helping others to make sure they know I’m better than them
- Helping others so that they feel like they owe me something
4 Distortions of Ministry by the False Apostles in Corinth
- Distorted Ministry Depends on an Attractive and Wealthy Lifestyle (2 Cor. 12:13,15)
- Distorted Ministry Depends on Crafty Persuasion (10:10)
- Distorted Ministry Depends on Authoritarian-Style Leadership (11:12)
- Distorted Ministry is Measured by Human Standards (10:12)
4 Marks of Legitimate Ministry Demonstrated By Paul
- Legitimate Ministry is Aligned to God’s Will (10:13)
- Legitimate Ministry is Empowered by God (10:4)
- Legitimate Ministry is Approved by God (10:18)
- Legitimate Ministry is Marked by the Attitude of Christ (10:1, Mt. 11:29, Luke 6:20-26)
“By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you” (10:1)
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Questions for Reflection
What kind of people do we look up to and learn from?
- Attractive, wealthy, powerful people? People who show off?
- People who use tricks, manipulation, or force to persuade us?
What are some more humble sources from which we could learn?
- Those who have suffered much?
- The marginalized, colonized, underprivileged, persecuted?
What does my ministry to others currently look like?
- Aligned to God’s will, or according to my own agenda?
- Empowered by God, or striving with my own strength?
- Approved by God, or comparing to others?
- Humble and gentle, or arrogant and forceful?