MM 1 Ministry Philosophy
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOR LEADERSHIP STUDIES
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PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY
Objectives of the Course (Ministry Philosophy)
This couse is designed
to teach the Christian Workers and Pastors How to prepare a ministry philosophy for their church / ministry.
to teach them how to establish a biblical foundation for a ministry philosophy for the local churches.
What is a philosophy of ministry?
A philosophy of ministry is defined that it is a body of biblical principles which guide and lead the ministry of a local church or Christian organization.
A. The Essentials of Ministry Philosophy
Every ministry philosophy must have certain essentials. These essentials are the basic foundations for ministry. Whenever one writes a ministry philosophy for one’s ministry, one has to bear those essentials in mind.
Priority of Ministry Philosophy and its uses
Every ministry must give priority to its ministry philosophy. Even the secular organization and companies have their philosophy of business in the form of Motto. Their Motto guides their whole activities of business. As motto is essential for corporate sector, Ministry Philosophy (Mission Motto) is so essential for a local church. The ministry of local church cannot progress and glorify God when it does not have ministry philosophy in written form.
The Uses of Ministry Philosophy
The ministry philosophy that is written down serves in many useful ways to local church or Christian mission. Some important uses are given here.
Ministry Philosophy provides Direction for Ministry
Ministry Philosophy basically identifies who we are as church and what are our beliefs and practices and why the church exists and so on. Moreover it provides direction of what a church must do and achieve in its ministry.
Ministry Philosophy helps on Decision Making
Every mission or local church has to face various problems as it progress in ministry. In order to progress in ministry, those problems should be solved by taking right decisions at right time. The right decisions can be taken only when a local church has a clear ministry philosophy written down. A written ministry philosophy will certainly answer the following questions.
Why the church is?
Who are in the church?
What is church and its ministry?
Where is its mission?
When does it do its programmes?
How does it progress?
If a ministry philosophy of a local church has proper biblical answers for the above basic questions, that ministry philosophy will help to take right decisions for every problems. Right decision making is possible only when a local church has clear ministry philosophy.
Ministry Philosophy produces Dedication
There is much talk about Dedication or Commitment to ministry. Members of local church or staff of mission must have dedication to the ministry for which they are called and appointed. However, dedication does not come automatically in him / her. Ministry philosophy is the instrumental cause which produces and motivates dedication / Commitment. Hence, Ministry Philosophy must be written and the same should be communicated properly to all in the church or mission. When a person knows ministry philosophy of his church, he can dedicate himself more for ministry.
So ministry philosophy provides direction, decision making base and it produces dedication.
Pattern of Ministry Philosophy
The ministry philosophy must be clearly written (not assumed). It should reflect the purpose for which the church exists. It must state the principles by which the church achieves its purpose and values. After writing the ministry philosophy, it must be shared to all (church members or staff of mission). All those who are in the church must do and act according the written philosophy of ministry. In other words, the ministry philosophy must be firmly held by all.
While writing ministry philosophy, it must be taken into consideration about the environment in which the church exists.
Note : Ministry philosophy once written can be developed at a later stage, when such development is necessary.
Foundation of Ministry Philosophy
The very foundation of ministry philosophy is the word of God only. The purpose, values, and all principles must be taken from the word of God and they should be implemented according to the teaching of the Bible. (2 Tim. 3 : 16-17)
The purpose of ministry or local church must be stated with clarity. The ultimate and only purpose of every ministry is to bring Glory to God. (1 Cor. 10 : 31). Any thing that does not bring glory to God lacks its purpose. So every church must bring glory to God through its ministry philosophy and ministry.
Principles of Ministry Philosophy
Principles are Guiding Post of the ministry philosophy of church. They help the church to achieve its purpose. There can be many principles in a ministry philosophy but all must be derived from God’s word. Any principle that is not rooted in God’s word will not help the church to achieve its purpose.
Eminent Principles of Ministry Philosophy
There are some principles which are vital to ministry philosophy of church. Every ministry philosophy must include those vital principles in its core content. Some of those principles are discussed here.
Principle of Excellence
Excellence basically means doing one’s best. However, doing the best in our part may not be considered as the best by God. Excellence in the sight of God is “Doing the best according to God’s word”.
Excellence is based on the character of God “Be ye holy, For I am holy”. God’s holiness is the best foundation for excellence. The focus of excellence must be the glory of God.
“Excellence is the deligent use of God-given resources to accomplish effectively the right mission according to pre-determined worthy standards (Matt. 25 : 14-30) (Doran – DBTS).
Hence, one has to use his God-given talents / resources to accomplish the ministry of the church according to the standards / values of God’s word. By doing so, excellence can be achieved. Excellence is possible through commitment to God’s word.
Principle of Spirit –motivated ministry
This principle helps the church to protect from false motivations for ministry. Many churches and organizations do their ministry with improper motivations which look for selfish benefits. Not only churches, many individuals come to ministry with wrong motivations, such as fame, money, fear of hell etc. These are not Spirit-motivated but self-motivated ministries.
The Spirit-motivated ministry provides divine direction for ministry. It makes one to love God and His ministry. The Spirit-motivated ministry is based on Christ’s love (2 Cor. 5 : 14a). Ministry that is Spirit-motivated by Christ’s love lasts for eternity. Peter was motivated for ministry by Christ by appealing to His love (Jn. 21 : 15-17). Ministry must focus on Christ’s love because he has loved us first (Jn. 13 : 1). Spirit-motivated ministry will not count its success on humanly generated success. But it measures its success based on God’s word and fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5 : 22, 23). The Spirit-motivated ministry will concentrate not on the programmes but on the Spiritual development of people.
The Lord Jesus Christ did His earthly ministry according to the leading of Holy Spirit (Lk. 4 : 1). The apostles and the early church did ministry as they are lead by the Holy Spirit (Act 13 : 1-3). The Holy Spirit will lead a ministry according to God’s word (Jn. 16 13-15; 2 Tim. 3 : 16-17). Hence the Spirit motivated Ministry must do ministry under the authority of Scripture (Jn. 5 : 39 ; 6 : 63).
Principle of Body Life
In the New Testament, the church is compared to the Body of Christ. All other metaphors have the Old Testament equivalents but the body metaphor does not have any equivalent. The church is the body over which Jesus Christ is the Head. (Eph. 1 : 22-23). This metaphor reveals “the internal relation between Christ and believers of church”. It is the unique relation between the Head (Christ) and the Body (church). This union is accomplished by the baptism of Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12 : 13).
Although this is one body, it has many members. So the body is organism, having life in Christ. Since it is a living organism, the church must grow into maturity and to the image of Christ (Eph. 4 : 16 ; 5 : 23 ; Col. 1 : 24 ; 2 : 19 ; 1 Cor. 12 : 14-26 ; Rom. 8 : 29). Every member must grow; then only the church can grow together. This growth must be the focus of the principle of Body-life.
Principle of Spiritual-gifts
The Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to every believer according to His will (1 Cor. 12 : 11). There is a close connection between the principle of body life and the principle of spiritual gifts. The New Testament clearly mentions twenty spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14 ; Rom. 12 ; Eph. 4 ; 1 Pet. 4). The gift must be used for the function of the body. Every member of the body has one function according to his / her gifts. The gift is given to a believer so that he / she can use it for the benefit of the body (church) “for the common good” (1 Cor. 12 : 7). Hence the gifts must be used for the edification of the body (1 Cor. 14 : 12).
Hence every believer must identify his / her spiritual gift and must use it for the edification of the body. The principle of spiritual gift must help the church to grow in unity by edifying one another.
Principle of Spiritual Leadership
Jesus Christ is not only our Saviour but our Lord. He is the best leader that world ever had. Jesus did the role of a servant, although He was the leader. He also taught about the servant Leadership. (Mt. 18 : 1-5 ; 20 : 20-34 ; Mk. 9 : 33-37). Servant leadership is contrasted with the leadership style of world, especially of Pharisees. Pharisees loved special seats ((Mt. 23 : 6-7). But Christ promised thrones in heaven for His servants who serve Him with the attitude of servant leadership (Mt. 19 : 28). It is the greatest reward a servant can have.
Leaders are raised according Heavenly Father’s will, not according to our human will (Mt. 20 : 20-34 ; Mk. 10 : 35-45). Hence, Spiritual leaders must first have the life style of Jesus as servant leader (Mk. 10 : 45). Second they must have spiritual maturity (Heb. 13 : 7). Those who minister God’s word are considered Leaders (1 Thes. 5 : 12-13 ; 1 Tim. 5 : 17).
Every church must give importance to Spiritual Leadership. Leaders of the church must have the servant attitude (Mk. 10 : 45). Church must identify those who have servant attitude and must make them as leaders (Act. 6 : 1-7 ; 13 : 1-3).
Principle of Discipleship
Discipleship is the true ministry of Church. The Lord Jesus Christ, Himself gave importance to discipleship. He made many disciples, notably the twelve. He also commanded to His disciples to make disciples (Mt. 28 : 18-20). The principle of discipleship is for multiplication and reproduction. However, true dicipleship is not only reproduction but becoming like his master (Lk. 6 : 40). In order to become a good disciple, he should be with his leader / master.
Being with the best discipler makes you a disciples
Being with a master makes you like master
Being with a leader makes you a leader
Being with a winner makes you a winner
Being with the wise makes you wise
As the Lord gave importance to make disciples, the church must give priority to making disciples. Following Jesus Christ, the apostles discipled many as disciples. Discipleship is a non-stop process. Paul advised Timothy to teach to the faithful men in order to make them as disciples (2 Tim. 2 : 2). Hence, making disciples is the responsibility of the church.
C. Biblical Principles Applied in church Philosophy
As we have studied about the principles that should be in every ministry philosophy, we shall now study as to how we can apply these principles in church ministry philosophy. Every church ministry philosophy must include the following biblical principles in its ministry philosophy in order to be effective in ministry.
(i) Purpose of church
(ii) Membership Principle of Church
(iii) Ministers Principle of Church
Qualification of Ministers
Full time Ministers and Volunteers
(iv) Growth Principle of Church
by Body-Life Principle
by Using Spiritual gifts
(v) Leadership Principle of Church
(vi) Discipling Principle in the Church
(vii) Mentoring Principle in the Church
(viii) Mission Principle of Church
(ix) Funds of Church
(x) Discipline in the church
Let us discuss these principles in detail.
Purpose of Church
The primary and foremost purpose of every church must be glorifying God (1 Cor. 10 : 31). We must glorify God because of He is the creator, sustainer and protector of His creation (Is. 40 : 25-28). He is above all (Phil. 2 : 9-11). God will not give His glory to others. None is equal to Him (Is. 48 : 11). Since He is above all and almighty, He forgives the sinner who accepts Jesus Christ as his only Saviour (Act 4 : 12). His forgiveness has everlasting effect. We must glorify God by acknowledging His Love Megestic, Holiness, Omnipotence, Grace, Unfailing mercies etc. True worship is always done by magnifying His attributes, like love, Holiness etc. Hence church must exalt Him (Ps. 8 : 1 ; Phil. 2 : 11).
Principle Applied in Church Philosophy
This church exists to glorify God for forgiveness in Christ through its worship, ministry and through all its activities (1 Cor. 10 : 31).
Membership Principle of Church
The New Testament church began on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came on the hundred and twenty people, assembled at Jerusalem (Act 1 : 15 ; 2 : 1-2). On the same day, Peter preached about the forgiveness that is available in Christ (Act 2 : 38). He called the people “to be saved” (2 : 40). Following his invitation and testimony about Christ, many received (believed) what he preached about Christ. Those who believed his words about Jesus Christ were baptized (2 : 41). Three thousand people were baptized on the same day. Those who believed and got baptism were added into church (Act 2 : 40,47). We see such practice of baptism after believing Jesus Christ in the entire New Testament, especially in Acts (Act 5 : 14 ; 8 : 37-39 ; 9 : 18 ; 10 : 47 ; 16 : 14-15 , 31-33 ; 18 : 8 ; 19 : 5). Those scriptural evidences teach us that those who believed Jesus Christ as their only Saviour were baptized (Act. 4 : 12 ; 2 : 40,47) and those who were baptized were added in the church. The early church baptized those who believed Jesus Christ. First is “believing on Jesus Christ” and then “baptizing in water”. So we understand that the early church of Apostles period baptized the believers after believing Jesus Christ. It is also known as “believer’s baptism”.
Principle Applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall baptize those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in order to add them into church membership (Act 2 : 40, 47 ; Rom. 6 : 1-10 ; 10 : 9-10). The baptized members are eligible for the Lord’s supper (Mt. 26 : 26-30 ; 1 Cor. 11 : 23-26 ; Act. 2 : 41-42).
Ministers Principle of Church
The early church had many ministers of God’s word. They were Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers (Eph. 4 : 11-12), These ministers taught the church in order to edify and to equip. The Lord gave the twelve apostles and the prophets as the foundation to the church. Jesus Christ is the Chief cornerstone, and the apostles and the prophets were foundation of the church (Eph. 2 : 20 ; 1 Pet. 2 : 4-8).
Evangelists were members and deacons of church but they preached the gospel wherever they went. Philip was a deacon and evangelist (Act. 6 : 5 ; 8 : 5, 26 ; 21 : 8). Evangelists often went one place to another in order to preach that salvation is through Jesus Christ. The Pastors and the teachers stayed with the church in order to shepherd and to teach the members. However, the believers also preached Jesus Christ wherever they went (Act 8 : 1, 4). The ministry was done by all including the believers. All were trained in God’s word (Act 17 : 11 ; 1 Tim. 4 : 13-16 ; 2 Tim. 2 : 2).
However, some ministered by the financial support of church. Generally apostles were supported financially by the church because they fully involved in preaching gospel (Act 4 : 34-37). Apostles involved in praying and ministering (Preaching) God’s word (Act 6 : 4). Paul was supported by the church at Antioch and later by the church of Phillippi, although he worked to support his own ministry (Act 13 : 1-4 ; Phil. 4 : 10-19 ; Act 20 : 34-35). However we see no evidence in the scripture that the church financially supported the deacons or volunteers (believers ministry in church). This makes us one thing clear that the early church had ministers – some were paid because they fully devoted their time for ministry of God’s word; but some were unpaid since they ministered as they had time to spare for ministry. So there were paid ministers and unpaid volunteers.
Principle applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall appoint ministers who are biblically qualified, spiritually matured and theologically trained (1 Tim. 3 : 1-13). The church shall pay to the full-time church worker / minister / Pastor as they devote their time for ministry (1 Thes. 5 : 12-13). However, it may give reasonable honorarium or travel expenses for volunteers who serve for the growth of church.
Growth Principle of church
The church is basically “Living Spiritual Organism”. It has got its life from Christ who is its head. Hence the church is spoken as the body of Christ. The church receives everything from its Head, as the body received every thing from its head (source of command). Since church is the body of Christ, it has two more supporting principles-namely Body-Life Principle and Spiritual Gift Principle. These both are related one another.
Body Life Principle
The church is compared to body of which head is Christ. (1 Cor. 12 : 14-27). Every member is united together with Christ, the Head through the baptism of Spirit (1 Cor. 12 : 12, 13). All believers are united with Christ regardless of their colour, caste, race, and language. This union happened at the time of conversion (Eph. 2 : 7-9 ; 4 : 4-6). Hence, the body (church) must move / grow toward maturity (Eph. 4 : 13-16). The body is called to progress to a point of conformity to Christ (Rom. 8 : 29).
Although it is one body, it has many members. One member of the body exists for the benefit of another member. Eye is existing for the body, not existing for itself. Members are many but the body is one. Every member is contributing for the growth of the body. So also, every member of the church must contribute for the growth of the church (the body of Christ).
Spiritual-Gift Principle
Every members of body has at least one function for the benefit of body, so also, every member / believer of church has at least one spiritual gift. The Holy Spirit gives that Spiritual gift to a believer at the time of His Spiritual birth. The spiritual gift is distributed according to the will of Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12 : 11). The Spirit graciously gives gifts to believer in order to produce a fully functioning body (1 Cor. 12 : 7, 11 ; 1 Pet. 4 : 10).
The Spiritual gift is given with the purpose of ministering and edifying one another (1 Cor. 12 : 7 ; 14 : 12 ; 1 Pet. 4 : 10). If a gift is not used for the benefit of another member / church, it will not produce any fruit. Hence every believer must identify his / her true spiritual gift and use it for the growth of the church.
Principle Applied in the Church Philosophy
The church is the body of Christ. Every believer is the member of Church and he is given at least one gift by Holy Spirit. Each believer may have different gifts. He / She must identify his / her true spiritual gift and use it for the growth of the church (Body of Christ) (1 Cor. 12 : 13-27 ; Rom. 12 : 6-8 ; 1 Pet. 4 : 10).
Leadership Principle of Church
God raises leaders for His ministry. The Lord Jesus Christ trained apostles to build His church (Mt. 16 : 18). He used the apostles and the prophets as the leaders in order to put the foundation of the church (Eph. 2 : 20 ; Act. 2 : 41- 42). Having the foundation was laid by Apostles and Prophets God uses the pastors, the teachers and the evangelists to build on the foundation. The church leaders must have the attitude of servant leadership (Mk. 10 : 43-45). The general qualification of Christian leadership is explained specifically in the New Testament (1 Tim. 3 : 1-13 ; Tit. 1 : 5-9). Every leader has a gift as the Holy Spirit has given to him. He should use his leadership ability for the development of ministry. Every matured leader must grow spiritually more and more until he gets himself into the image of Christ (Rom. 8 : 29). The mark of leadership is maturity spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically (Age factor).
Every matured Christian leader must train and teach the new emerging leaders. The basic training tools for leadership training are the Bible and prayer. Every leader must train new leaders as to How the Bible must be used and as to How we must pray according to God’s will.
Principle Applied in the Church Philosophy
The church must raise new leaders. The matured leaders must take the responsibility of training young leaders (2 Tim. 2 : 2), by using the Bible (2 Tim. 3 : 16-17) and Prayer (Phil. 4 : 6-7). The church shall identify potential leaders in order to train the young leaders in God’s word and in ministry.
Discipleship Principle of church
Jesus said “I will build my church” (Mt. 16 : 18). In order to build His church, He prepared disciples. He, before ascending to Heaven commanded to His disciples “to make disciples all over the world: (Mt. 28 : 18-20). Jesus by making disciples intended the church shall grow all over the world. Hence making disciple is in the plan of God.
The question is who can be a disciple.
The answer is as following:
One who has trusted Jesus Christ as His Master (Rom. 10 : 9-10)
One who has become a member of local church (Heb. 10 : 25 ; Act. 11 : 26)
One who is committed to Spiritual growth (Eph. 3 : 19 ; 4 : 15 ; Rom. 8 : 28-29)
One who is involved in church ministry (1 Pet. 4 : 10-11)
One who has desire to make others as disciples through mission (Jn. 17 : 18 ; Lu. 19 : 10).
One who glorifies God among his own community of people (Jn. 4 : 23-24).
These characteristics must be found in a disciple of Christ. Discipleship begins in one’s life by receiving baptism and it progress through teaching (Mt. 28 : 18-20). As Jesus commanded, the apostles made many new disciples. The disciples were called Christians (Act 11 : 26). Paul advised Timothy to make more disciples by teaching (2 Tim. 2 : 2). Every disciple must be faithful. The faithful man shall be rewarded with many blessings. Every disciple must give account to God for his life and ministry (Rom. 14 : 12).
So a disciple is “faithful, committed, follower of Jesus Christ, the Master”. He should be faithful to God, to God’s word, to fellow God’s people and be committed to ministry by maintaining Christian fellowship (Heb. 10 : 25).
Principle Applied in the Church Philosophy
As the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the church will strive hard to make faithful and committed disciples through evangelism. The new disciples shall be added into church by baptism and be taught toward maturity in the image of Christ (Mt. 28 : 18-20 ; 2 Tim. 2 : 2 ; Rom. 8 : 29).
Mentoring Principle of Church
Mentoring is one of the greatest task of Discipler / Mentor. This Christian term has secular equivalent “Adviser”. However, the term “Mentor” has more significant responsibility than an adviser. The term mending is similar to mending a fishnet by a fisherman.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the greatest mentor. He mended His disciples so that ordinary fishermen could become great fishers of men. Among the apostles, Paul was a good mentor. He mended many in the ministry (Ex. Luke, Timothy, Titus).
A Christian mentor must be qualified biblically and matured spiritually and theologically trained. Having many years of experience in ministry will make one an effective mentor. Mentor must have the attitude of loving, helpful and heartfelt toward his disciple / protege. Jesus lovingly appealed to Peter. (Jn. 21 : 15-19). At the same time, mentor must have the authority to rebuke the disciple, when the disciple go away from God’s plan or mentoring process. Jesus rebuked Peter, when Peter acted against God’s plan (Mt. 16 : 23). Hence true mentoring involves “admonishing, warning, and instruction” (1 Thes. 5 : 12, 14 ; 2 Thes. 3 : 15 ; Rom. 15 : 14 ; Col. 1 : 28 ; 3 : 16). The authority must be used lovingly not with hatred. Paul used his authority over erring Corinthians lovingly but strictly (1 Cor. 9 : 1-2 ; 2 Cor. 13 : 1). Moreover, mentor must be a good example, when he uses his authority (1 Cor. 11 : 1). Then only the disciples will accept his authority.
Principle Applied in the Church Philosophy
The church shall give priority in mentoring. Spiritually matured leaders will do the role of mentors, so that young leadrs can be mented, edified and equipped for ministry. The church shall appoint the model leaders (like Paul) to be mentors (1 Cor. 11 : 1).
Mission Principle of Church
God, Himself is the author of Mission. God promised the Saviour (seed of woman), when Adam sinned (Gen. 3 : 15). This promise says not only about the coming saviour but also about the beginning of Mission plan of God. Noah was a missionary for his generation. Moses was sent on a mission to redeem the people of Israel from the bondage of Egypt
Jonah was a prophetical missionary to Nineveh. Like this, we can see many mission programmes of God in the Old Testament.
In the New Testament, God began His programme of Mission with John, the Baptist. Jesus Christ completed the Divine Mission on the Cross for the redemption of mankind. After His resurrection, but before His ascension He began His great mission plan for world by commanding His Great Commission to the disciples (Mt. 28 : 18-20). Apostles continued the greatest mission by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and by establishing churches. (Act. 2 : 40-47 ; Act 8). The early churches sent missionaries on missions (Act 13 : 1-3). Not only the apostles but the believers also involved in mission activities.
Principle Applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall have mission to reach the sinners in order to fulfill the great Commission of Jesus Christ (Mt. 28 : 18-20).
Principle of Fund of Church
God is the creator of all. Every thing in the world belongs to Him (Ps. 50 : 12 b). God has blessed every believer according to His richness of grace (Eph. 1 : 3 ; Phil. 4 : 19). Having recognized the blessings of God, the early Church financially supported the ministries and missions of Apostles (Act 4 : 32-37), the poor widows of church (Act 6 : 1-7) and the relief works of the suffering churches (Act 11 : 27-30 ; 1 Cor. 16 : 1-4 ; 2 Cor. 8-9). The churches sent special support to Paul, when he was in Roman prison (Phil 4 : 10-19). These passages make us one thing clear that the early churches met their own financial needs and helped the apostle’s missions as well as the poor churches, under suffering.
Principles Applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall raise funds from its members in order to support its own ministries, to pay for full-time ministers and to help for relief works for suffering Christians. If funds are limited within the church, the necessary funds shall be raised by faithful men from the Christians of other churches. (Act 4 : 32-37 ; 6 : 1-7 ; 11 : 27-30 ; 1 Cor. 16 : 1-2 ; 2 Cor. 8-9).
Principle of Discipline in Church
The church began on the day of Pentecost in Act 2. However, we see indiscipline in the church in the matter of Ananias and Sapphira (Act 5 : 1-11). Throughout the New Testament records we see that indiscipline in the church was severely dealt with by the apostles and the churches as well. The New Testament also teaches about “Church Discipline” (2 Cor. 13 : 1-3).
Three types of disciples are taught in scripture ; First is self or personal discipline, second is mutual discipline and third is church discipline. In the self- discipline, the believer corrects himself by confessing his / her own sins (1 Jn. 1 : 5 – 2 : 2). In the mutual discipline, a brother / sister helps to a fellow believer to come out of sin (Gal. 6 : 1-2 ; Jam. 5 : 16, 19, 20). The purpose of every discipline is to produce righteousness and to be free from sin (Heb. 12 : 11). Every discipline must be done with love (Pro. 13 : 24 ; Heb. 12 : 6-8 ; Jn. 13 : 34 ; Eph. 5 : 17 ; and with gentleness (Gal. 6 : 1). Here we are going to discuss more about church discipline.
Importance of Church Discipline
Church discipline is important to maintain the purity of church and to reveal the superior teachings of the Bible. The church discipline seeks to promote obedience of Christians to the word of God. Sin must be dealt (Mt. 18 : 15). Church discipline helps to restore an erring brother (Gal. 6 : 1). Church discipline helps to guard its testimony before the unbelievers and public (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13). The church discipline provides a spiritual protection to church against sin (Pro.19 : 25 ; 1Tim. 5 : 20)
Matters of Church Discipline
The church should take disciplinary action for three specific reasons. They are Doctrinal Deviation, Divisiveness and Disorderly conduct. Let us discuss three in detail.
Doctrinal Deviation
Doctrinal Deviation means “turning away from confessed faith and truth revealed in the scripture” (1 Tim. 1 : 20 ; Jude 3 ; Tit. 1 : 9 ; Gal. 1 : 8 ; 1 Jn. 4 : 3 ; 5 : 10). It should be dealt severely by the church and believers. The believers must mark those who deviate from truth (Rom. 16 : 17 cf Mt. 7 : 15 ; 1 Tim. 1 : 19, 20 ; 2 Tim. 2 : 15-18). After identifying them, believers must avoid the doctrinal deviants as cammanded in scripture (2 Tim. 3 : 5) (Old Testament parallel – Amos 3 : 3). Then the believers must reject them and their doctrine of falsehood (2 Jn. 9, 10).
Divisiveness
It is also another area for which the scripture advocates for the exercise of discipline (Tit. 3 : 10 ; Rom. 16 : 17). After identifying the ones who have divisive spirit in the fellowship of bretheren, exhortation must be given to them at least three times in order to restore them. If they do not obey, a warning must be given to them. If the warning are not heeded, then the church must strongly reject the person / persons who is having divisive spirit.
Public disorderly Conduct
There are many types of disobedience or disorderly conduct. (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13 ; 2 Thes. 3 : 6-15 ; 1 Thes. 4 : 11-12 ; 5 : 14). Public disobedience demands public discipline (1 Tim. 5 : 20). They should be excluded from intimate fellowship for it is less serious (2 Thes. 3 : 6, 14). If it is a hideous sin like Corinthians, he should be excluded from fellowship and removed from the church (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13). Paul initiated this discipline in three levels, first by oral teaching, then by written warning (1 Thes. 4 : 11-12 ; 5 : 14) and finally by withdrawal of fellowship (2 Thes. 3 : 14-15).
Note : The private disobedience should be dealt privately first (Mt. 18 : 15-17). If he does not heed, then take two witnesses. If he rejects those witnesses, he can be dealt publically (Deut. 19 : 15 ; 1 Tim. 5 : 19).
Principle Applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall take disciplinary action against sinning brothers in order to restore them into fellowship (Gal. 6 : 1). Public disobedience will be dealt publically, Private sin will be dealt privately (1 Tim. 5 : 20 ; Mt. 18 : 15-17). If an erring brother refuse to correct his ways, he shall be removed from the church fellowship initially, ultimately from the church. (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13).
Based on these principles, every church must have its philosophy of ministry. Every church can elaborate or add more biblical principles to suit its own environment.
Model Philosophy of Church Ministry
This _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Name of church) exists to glorify God for His majesty and for the forgiveness in Christ, through its worship, ministry and through all of its activities (1 Cor. 10 : 31).
The church shall baptize those who believe Jesus Christ as only Saviour in order to add them into Church membership (Act 2 : 40, 47; Rom. 6 : 1 – 10 ; 10 : 9-10). The baptized members are eligible for the Lord’s supper. (Mt. 26 : 26-30 ; 1 Cor. 11 : 23-26 ; Act. 2 : 41-42).
The church shall appoint ministers (Pastors) who are biblically qualified, spiritually matured and theologically trained (1 Tim. 3 : 1-13). The church shall pay to the full-time church workers / Pastors as they devote their time for ministry (1 Thes. 5 : 12-13). However, it may pay reasonable honorarium or travel expenses according to financial availability for volunteers who serve for the growth of church.
The church is the body of Christ, every believer is the member of church and he is given at least one gift by Holy Spirit. Each believer may have different gifts. He / She must identify his / her true spiritual gift and must use it for the growth of the church (1 Cor. 12 : 13-27, 1 Pet. 4 : 10).
The church must raise young / new leaders. The matured leaders must take the responsibility of training young leaders (2 Tim. 2 : 2) by using the Bible as training tool, (2 Tim. 3 : 16-17) and prayer (Phil. 4 : 6-7). The church shall identify potential leaders in order to train the young leaders in God’s word and in ministry.
As the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded, the church will strive hard to make the faithful and committed disciples through evangelism. Every new disciple shall be added into church by baptism and be taught in the scripture toward maturity in the image of Christ (Mt. 28 : 18-20 ; 2 Tim. 2 : 2 ; Rom 8 : 29).
The church shall give priority in mentoring. The spiritually matured and experienced leaders will do the role of mentors, so that young leaders can be mended, edified and equiped for ministry. The church shall appoint the model leaders like Paul to be mentors (2 Tim. 2 : 2 ; 1 Cor. 11 : 1).
The church shall have mission to reach the sinners in order to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ and make them disciples (Mt. 28 : 18-20).
The church shall raise funds from its members in order to support its own ministries, to pay for full-time ministers and to help for relief works for suffering Christians. If funds are limited, the necessary funds shall be raised by faithful men from the Christians of other churches (Act 4 : 32-37 ; 6 : 1-7 ; 11 : 27-30 ; 1 Cor. 16 : 1-2 ; 2 Cor. 8-9).
The church shall take disciplinary action against sinning brother in order to restore him into fellowship (Gal. 6 : 1). Public disobedience will be dealt publically; private disobedience will be dealt privately (1 Tim. 5 : 20 ; Mt. 18 : 15-17). If an erring brother refuse to correct his ways, he shall be removed from the church fellowship initially; If he does not repent, he shall be removed from the church (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13).
Students Assignment
What are the uses of Ministry Philosophy?
What is the foundation of Ministry Philosophy?
What is the Principle of Excellence?
What is the Minister’s principle of church?
Write a Ministry Philosophy for your Church / Ministry that you do now or your are preparing to do in future.