Philosophy of Ministry Final Draft Elita Morrill
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Philosophy Of Ministry
Elita Morrill
CHMN201-D03
Professor Mark Hensley
August 14, 2023
Introduction
In this discussion, we will cover all aspects related to the Ministry of Christianity. To
begin, we will define ministry and explore its expectations. We'll also delve into what helps
foster spiritual growth and how we can assist others in this regard. Additionally, we'll examine
what topics are appropriate for teaching and what should be avoided within the ministry. We'll
then turn our attention to the significance of evangelism and why it's crucial for conversion. We'll
also, touch on the importance of church membership and why church discipline is necessary for
growth. Lastly, we'll highlight the critical role that spiritual leadership plays in the church's
development, the traits of influential spiritual leaders, and their contribution to the ministry, and I
will discuss whether my ideas have changed or have remained the same with an explanation as to
why for each section.
Teaching the Truth
What Should Be Taught
When preparing for ministry, one must accept the call and understand that we are called
into ministry because we have been given a divine mandate (Walker, 2000, p.29). I believe
teaching the truth, according to scripture, is a crucial part of ministry. This is something that will
never change in my mind, due to the fact that Jesus is the truth, and to be saved, you must have a
relationship with the Father, which you gain though reading the Bible.
Scriptures and life
lessons should be conducted. Most churches try to teach the good feeling, the warm and fuzzy
perspective of the bible, yet fail to touch on the meat and potatoes. Every part of the Bible, from
Genesis to Revelation, is interested in the teachings and can be tied into life today and what we
see in the world. I believe the church can use good Christian sources and teach from them with a
disclaimer if it ties into scripture. I would look at scripture and compare it to determine if the
the material should be used. Also, I would make sure all guidelines of writing are met.
Methods of Teaching
As a teacher, I pride myself on my personal approach. Whether I'm working one-on-one
with a student or leading a group session, I strive to truly listen and demonstrate that I care.
When working with a group, I find that we can all benefit from sharing our experiences and
struggles with one another. Typically, I structure lessons around specific topics, often drawing
inspiration from my bible studies. However, when working with individuals, I tailor my
teaching to meet their unique needs. Above all, I believe in listening attentively and offering.
guidance when appropriate. This has not changed much; however, I have realized that not all
people learn the same, and I have become more open-minded to let God lead me in teaching. In
Proverbs, it is said that “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the
reproofs of discipline are the way of life.”(
Proverbs 6:23, ESV)
Sharing and Receiving the Gospel
Conversion
Accepting Christ into one's heart and acknowledging that God sent his only son to
redeem us from our sins through crucifixion is the path to salvation. This is a crucial step those
individuals must take to attain salvation. I have witnessed this firsthand by participating in
church sermons, reciting the prayer of salvation with others, and observing them raise their hand
to affirm their acceptance of God in their hearts. In my heart, this will never change because we
are meant to share and receive the Gospel.
We are told to give our testimonies and experiences.
This is how we build fellowship with each other and God. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in
the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from
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all sin.” (1 John 1:7, ESV)
Evangelism
I think evangelism is a critical piece of church ministry. Our active duty is to go and
make disciples. As the bible states, “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the
gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does
not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe in my name,
they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their
hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the
sick, and they will recover.” (ESV, 2016). I will always speak of what God does for me and bring
hope to others. My relationship with God would have never happened had someone not given me
grace and mercy and shown me life with God. I continue to try to show that to others, and
even with my faults, I still see the outcome, even if it is not what I had planned. Though I have
found myself drifting because my focus has been solely on God, I still feel it is true because my
pastor had not just preached a sermon about drifting. I would not have realized that I, too, am
drifting a bit. It is because he shared his own experience to make me awaken and discover why I
have chosen to give my life to God.
Membership and Church Discipline
Church membership is a topic I cringe at, honestly. I am divided because I think it is
essential, yet I feel it divides the church, and people will clique together, unwelcoming to those
new to the church. However, I lean more toward church needing membership, which is only
because when you have a membership, you have a constant audience and witnesses who can
speak of what God is doing in the church. Church discipline is a must! If I did not have friends
and pastors who always cared about me and held me to the standards of a Christian, I would not
be typing this paper or where I am today. Discipline is a vast part of why I am here in this class,
and when I look at my own experience, I see that having discipline in the church is essential.
Church discipline is leading by example and being able to coach people in a better direction
when they fall, I still think this is highly important to have people check you when you need to
be checked.
It wakens you if done right and humbles you.
Sometimes we can get caught up in
this world and not see ourselves as selfish.
Spiritual Leadership
As spiritual leaders, we must serve as mentors and guides, delivering the message of truth
in a biblically balanced manner. To that end, I am initiating a mentorship program at my church
to assist teenagers and adults on their spiritual journeys with Christ. I also have decided to get
my Christian Leadership degree and Ministry degree. As spiritual leaders, we try our best to lead
people to Christ, not just through sermons but by coming up with creative ways to bring people
closer to God. Life groups have been a significant part of my journey.
I humbly say that my
leaders in the church keep me in check.
They are my know and no people.
That is what we
strive for in the church community, to have people see and know you enough to say no when you
need to hear it.
Bibliography
Earley, D., & Gutierrez, B. (2010). Everyday ministry: Applying the Christian faith (3rd ed.).
Nashville, Tennessee: B&H Publishing Group.
Gutierrez, Ben. (2014). Thinking Like Jesus: Understanding the Mind of Christ. Nashville,
Tennessee: Lifeway Church Resources.
Rhea, H. G., Walker, P. L., Cooper, D. C., Walker, M., & Scott, T. (2000). Learning the ministry
practices. Cleveland, TN: Church of God School of Ministry
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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