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MINISTRY AND THE PASSION OF MEN I&II

(Eph 4:8, 11-12) The word Ministry is derived from the Greek word - diakonia meaning service, office. English Dictionary defines it as the "work of a spiritual or charitable nature". Passion is pascho patho pentho meaning to experience a sensation or impression. English Dictionary defines it as the state of being acted upon; subjection to an external agent or influence; a passive condition; opposed to action. Calling is klesis meaning invitation.
Believers often admire Men of God who have been called into the service of the five fold. Especially when the operation of these ministers are influencive, powerful, ongoing, touching and impacting lives. Believers (majorly members/congregation especially youths) who are under their anointing often create passion (and desire) for these offices. Is it wrong or bad to have passion to be called into the five fold ministry? No, but we shouldn't allow our passion to drive us out of God's will and in tension for us concerning ministry (like Simon - Acts 8:13-19).

It's been heard of some ministers today who intrude into the five fold ministry because of their passion. Although most of them do have spiritual gifts that manifest the power of God, they however become ignorant and are misled by their passion, desire and opinions of men over God's choice of ministry for them; thereby birthing out their ministries by their gifts without God's calling.

And what use to be their end if they don't reconcile with God and enquire for their own ministries? (Sons of Sceva - Acts 19:13-16). After facing overwhelming challenges, stagnancy, manipulations from the kingdom of darkness and silence or neglection from God (after numerous warnings); they become weak in Spirit and after things of the flesh, some succumb to the deceit of darkness (for money, fame, power etc) while others compromise their faith. The aftermath is usually becoming laughing stocks and disgrace after their secrets and deeds are exposed.

The entirety of ministry is beyond one having passion for it either the basic five ministry or others surrounding it. Does it mean whoever has not been called into the five fold ministry has no calling or ministry? (1Cor 7:20, 2Cor 5:18-19) No, as believers, we have all been called for the foundational ministry (of reconciliation) which serves as the major goal, subject and purpose why every other ministry is given.

(2Tim 1:9-10) That is; we all have a calling (generally) as believers according to His purpose (reconciliation through the Gospel) which is the ministry given to us in Christ; and for that work of ministry, (2Tim 1:11) He has appointed (and is still appointing) that is called (and is still calling) men (Believers) by the gifts He has given (and still giving) to them which are basically five (majorly leadership) but are supported by other differing gifts (within).

Therefore clarifying the fact that all believers have a calling and a ministry, it is of necessity that each and everyone discover and develop his or her ministry by abiding in the calling wherein he or she is called (1Cor 7:20-24). That is why we don't do the work of the Ministry because we have passion for it, but it is what we are called and equipped to do. Even as we are called into either the five fold ministry or others, they are gifts given on the basis of the growth of the spiritual gifts (power - 1Cor 12:8-10) in us (meant to be stocked together with, the spiritual fruit - character Gal 5:22, Rom 12:9-12).

(1Cor 12:28-30) Even as it's impossible for men without spiritual gifts and the calling of God (even if they profess of one without the other) to venture into ministry, so it is for men who are not having the spiritual fruit and are not baptized in the Holy Ghost because they are not saved.

God's program for the Church involves equipping all members so they become Ministering Members. The fruit and gifts of the Spirit enable Church leaders to fulfill their "Calling" or Ministry in the body of Christ. Imagine the lot of those who called themselves into ministry by their passion, how will they fulfill it? (Eph 4:11, 1Cor 13:28) The five fold leadership gifts of Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are given to equip the members (1Cor 13:27, Eph 4:12) of the Church so the members do the work of the Ministry (that is minister to the Lord, to one another and to the world).

Other Ministries; (Rom 12:6-8, 1Cor 12:28-29) which are serving and helps, exhortation, giving, administration or government, mercy, miracles and healing, and many more like - intercession, hospitality, visitation, social concern, literature (writing or books), modern media, fine arts, reconciliation etc.

Although, no Local Church is perfect. The Lord doesn't require leaders who are perfect. He uses imperfect leaders to train and equip imperfect members. Our ministry in the Lord begins with those who are a part of our circle of life. Our lives touch many others everyday. We should start, therefore, with the people of our own little world - our family members, Church, nearby schools, those we work with, those living in our community; with the desire to share the life, love and truth of Jesus with them in a warm, practical and personal way. Let us seek to help and serve others in every way we can - in the name of the Lord.

It's easy to see that many of the aforementioned ministries overlap or work together. A single person may have more than one function in his service for the Lord. Moreover, one ministry may become the foundation upon which another builds (Philip - Acts 6&8,from faithful servant to the flaming Evangelist). All of us have a calling in the body of Christ. We begin where we are - with what we have - NOW! It's our duty to "cultivate" or develop the fruit by turning to God's Spirit during difficult times. And we must learn to "excess" or do well in the use of the spiritual gifts. Our desire is to become good and faithful servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Personal Ministry is best described and developed within the fellowship of a local Spirit - filled Church. Under wise and loving leadership, we will find our place and function in the family of God. In this way, the Church of Christ will become strong and sound. Then we will be ready to minister to the Lord, to one another and to the whole world even as our passion is influenced by the Holy Ghost; not just by mere desire.

Last three paragraphs are excerpts from "The Shepherd Staff" by Ralph Mahoney.
Biblical Teaching (Imparting the truth of His word on the basis of transforming the hearts of men, to practically change lives). 
Flaming Sword🔥🗡
Oluwayomi Dada ✍️

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