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The word “ministry” in the Bible is most often the Greek word diakonia, from the Greek root word diako, which means “to run errands.” Related words are the verb “to minister” and the noun “minister.” So the understanding of these words is:
minister – errand runner
to minister – to run errands
ministry – the manner in which errands are run; or, the type of errands which are run
Many think of a minister as someone who went to a seminary and got a theological degree or diploma, was ordained by his or her denomination (that is, they put the title “Reverend” before their name), and/or is the leader of his or her organized church. This understanding differs greatly from what the New Testament has to say about ministers and ministry. First of all, a minister according to the Bible is one who serves the will of Jesus Christ. His or her primary devotion and obligation is not to a denomination or congregation – it is to the Lord Jesus Christ and to his Father, God. If a minister does not have that relationship in an exalted position in his heart, then he is not Christ’s minister, but only man’s.
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
The word “servant” in this verse is the Greek word doulos and means “one whose will and capacities are at the service of another.” This “another” is the one who determines what and how and when that doulos “runs errands.” Do you think if you were the master, you would have all your servants doing exactly the same thing? Or doing everything the exact same way? Of course not. Neither are Christ’s errand runners to be compared with one another.
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same function; So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us (God’s generosity provides the specific giftings to each member of the body), whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry (diakonia), let us wait on our ministering (diakoneo), or he that teaches, on teaching; Or he that exhorts, on exhortation; he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that takes the lead, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
(Romans 12:4-8)
You can see that there is a lot of crossover with these different “categories.” Someone might take the lead and do it with cheerfulness. Another might minister by prophesying. Do you see? All these ways to minister are not separate categories, they are simply characteristics or functions or descriptions of them. And if they serve Christ, then they are a result of a gifting of God’s spirit. There seems to be no comparison between these different descriptions. One is not better than another. Another is not of more importance than one. Thus, ways and manners in which believers serve Christ are not learned from one another by comparison, but rather are taught by the Lord Jesus Christ himself, by the revealing of his spirit within. The more you listen to and believe on Christ, the more you grow into your own unique gifting/ministry.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. And he (the Christ within) gave some apostles (to his church), and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:7, 11)
There it is! You grow in your service to the body of Christ as you grow closer to Christ. Your ministry does not grow out of a biblical education (alone), adherence to a religion or denomination, graduating from a seminary, or leadership of a congregation (though any of those things do not disqualify you); it grows out of the revelation of Christ within. He, by means of the revealing of himself within each believer, is bringing each believer to the place of being able to serve him by running his errands in service to the body of his believers.
Are you upbeat? Be upbeat for Christ. Are you quietly pensive? Be quietly pensive for Christ. Are you studious and communicative? Be so as the spirit of Christ directs you. Do you have a beautiful voice? Sing as he inspires. Do you see things that need to be done that others don’t see? Don’t compare yourself. Express your service for and because of Christ and not for the accolades, power, fame or glory.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think (of himself is not in the text) more highly (attributing his own thoughts as coming from God) than he ought to think; but to think soberly (soundly); according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
The “sound thinking” this verse speaks of is the revelation of Christ (and the faith which comes with it as per Romans 10:17) which God deals to every man. Do you think that reading a specific book about leadership or servant hood or a specific author is going to equip and qualify you to run errands for Christ? Of course not! Do you think you can and should pattern yourself after another servant? Perhaps it starts out that way, but it is the revelation of the Christ within which equips, authorizes and directs your ministry. Seek him! As Christ is revealed within you, your expression of that revelation will determine your ministry, which is a beautiful symbiotic working between the spirit of Christ within and your interests and inclinations and proclivities. God never messes with your individual free choice.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters,; but God who gives the increase. Now he that plants and he that waters are one; and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God; you are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building. (I Corinthians 3:6-9)
Growing up is enjoyable. You understand and realize new things, relationships, abilities, knowledge, etc. You’re able to do more, appreciate more, get more out of life. So growing up spiritually is meant to be enjoyable, as you grow into an understanding of how God works with you through the Christ within in a most unique, special, individualized way. The more you know of Christ, the more you come into your own as his specialized errand runner, the doing of which fulfills you in a way nothing else does, because it is so uniquely, powerfully you!
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts (the ones which seem to be meant for you in particular, which connect with you, and which fill specific needs in the body of Christ): and yet show I unto you a more excellent way (the way of love – how you do anything is more important than what you do) (I Corinthians 12:29-31)
Yes, greatly desire to see your own unique brand of errand running for Christ develop in your heart and soul. Be an errand runner for Christ – what you do, how you do it, when you do it will be a powerful expression of the Christ within you. And let the love which comes with his revelation be your motivation. Be filled to overflowing with that love He has for you and you for Him, and then let yourself explore the inventive, quirky, unique, powerful manner in which you express the overflow of that love to the believers and the world around you.
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers (bringers) of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (I Corinthians 4:1,2)
There’s no one else like you, especially as you develop your unique errand running ability in and for Christ. Set your course, enjoy every day of your journey, and bask in the reward of an ever-closer relationship with your heavenly Father.
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Related Studies
If you enjoyed how this study challenged your thinking and opened up your understanding of Christ, click on one of the related studies below:
How Christ is Building His Church
How Do We Get Faith? ….. God GIVES It To Us
The True Purpose of Christ’s Ministers ….. Ephesians 4:11-24
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