PRINCIPLES OF MINISTRY

Course Outline

Topic 1 Ministry of the Believer

Topic 2 Recognizing Your Call
Topic 3 Success Is Fulfilling Your Call
Topic 4 Fruit That Remains
Topic 5 Two Views of Ministry
Topic 6 Your Personal Relationship With Jesus and Your
Family
Topic 7 Ordinances Of the Church
Ordination
Baptism (Baby Dedication)
Communion
Weddings
Funerals
Topic 8 Organization and Time Management

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 Topic 1
Ministry of the Believer

I. God has a place for everyone

A. The church is not just a place where the pastor does everything himself
B. Ephesians 4:11 - These gifts were given to
1. Perfect the saints to do the work of the ministry
2. Edify the body of Christ
II. Christianity is not a spectator sport; it requires your participation
A. When we start serving God, He will ask us to do little things
B. As we are faithful it the small things, God will give us larger things to do -
Luke 16:10
C. Acts 6:1-6 tells us that as the church multiplied the apostles appointed
seven men to serve the widows while they spent time in prayer and the
Word. Two of the these seven later became great ministers (Stephen and
Philip)
III. If you can impart what God has put in you to others, you can change the way a
church is going
A. You do not have to be the pastor to make the change
B. All you need to do is share the vision that God has given you
1. The direction of the church can be changed, if they will listen
2. This is not to go against the vision God has given the pastor
IV. We are called to do the same things Jesus did - Luke 4:18
A. Just as Christ reconciled people to God so we are to bring others to Christ
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (We are saved to save others)
B. Just as Jesus was God's vessel and servant, we are to be also
1. Christians are not just to sit around waiting to go to heaven
2. We are to be God's vessels and ambassadors here on earth
C. We are not just to be served by God, we are to serve Him
1. Many Christians are always looking for God to bless them for doing
nothing and then wonder what they did wrong when the blessings
do not come
D. If you want God's blessings, then become ambassadors for Christ and
start reconciling people to God through Christ

Topic 2
Recognizing Your Call

I. Ministry = work + study + prayer (mixed together) = success

II. Ministry starts with the call
A. 1 Peter 2:9 - every believer is called of Christ
1. Some receive a special call to serve in full time ministry

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 2. All are called to serve
B. Only God can call you to the ministry
1. The true call of God will result in your doing whatever you are
asked to do
C. If you can be happy in any other position (job) you are not called to
preach
1. The call to the ministry is compelling; nothing else will satisfy you
III. Discipline and obedience is required
A. The ministry is an demanding operation
B. It takes all you natural and ability plus the Holy Spirit
C. It takes prayer, study and work to be a successful minister - 2 Timothy
2:15
IV. Qualifications to the ministry
A. Prepare
B. Take your natural ability and put it together with the study of the Word of
God and you will never lack for a congregation or place to serve
1. A lot of things done in the ministry are natural, not spiritual
C. The walk of the ministry requires everything you have inside of you
1. The demands of the ministry are sometimes overwhelming
2. Philippians 4:13 - there is nothing the ministry requires of you that
you cannot do
3. You can defeat yourself by saying "I cannot", "I do not see how", "I
do not believe we can do it"
D. Must have the power of the supernatural active in your life
E. Must have compassion, dedication, and understand the times we are
living in
V. If you want to teach, you must be teachable
A. Even after you reach total success, you must be teachable
B. Never stop learning
C. The day you become unteachable is the day you should quit
VI. When you are ministering in a service, whether it is as a pastor, teacher,
evangelist
A. Always make sure to give an altar call for salvation
B. Quote God's Word to answer questions
C. The Holy Spirit cannot be put in a box and won't move the same way in
every service
D. All gifts of the Spirit can move in every service and everyone can be used,
but it is not necessary
E. Use natural illustrations of the day
1. Jesus used natural illustrations of His day
F. Be tactful but honest
VII. Things to consider in the ministry
A. A Sunday school program is the most important teaching tool available
1. It should minister effectively to all ages
2. It is better to have smaller classes with teacher/pupil inner action
than a lecture situation

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 3. The young need to be taught on their level, their language and with
examples they can understand
4. Even 1½ and two-year-olds are ready to learn something and can
be taught a few minutes at a time
5. Audio/visual is the best way to teach
a. Use different voices for different characters
b. Use the youth to help teach the younger children
6. The things used by the world can be used in the church
B. There needs to be time spent teaching the teachers, depending on the
ability level of the teachers
1. Need to use practical knowledge, the natural and put it with the
supernatural to develop a powerful program for God
2. Small churches sometimes have no qualified teachers
3. If your teachers need training, weekly teach the Sunday school
lesson and how to teach it
4. Teach them how to use reference books
5. As the church grows, they can become heads of departments
6. The department heads should teach their teachers the same way
C. A church dies without youth
D. Adults cannot concentrate more than 50 minutes in a normal teaching
situation
1. The spirit can receive, but the body and mind get tired
2. The spirit cannot receive more than the body can endure
E. The things used by the world can be used by the church
1. Overhead projector
2. Puppets for children’s ministry
3. Contemporary music (special concerts to reach the youth using
Christian music)
F. People do not like quick changes
1. Make minor changes at first
2. Get them to work and then make major changes
VIII. The Lord knows our works, labors and patience
A. Psalms 75:6 - promotion comes form the Lord when He knows you can
be trusted with it

Topic 3
Success in Fulfilling Your Call

1. Success is fulfilling your God given purpose

A. Jeremiah 29:11-14 Every person has a wonderful God given purpose
B. Jeremiah 33:3 We must call on God, really seek Him
C. James 1:5 God and His Word is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom

is the correct application of knowledge

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 D. Psalms 37:4 God gives us desires and we need to pursue them in
confidence, knowing they are from God if we are delighting in Him
2. We must be single minded and focused on knowing Jesus Philippians 3:8
A. Not just knowing about Him, but knowing Him.
3. Guard your faith (gates: eyes, ears) Jude 3:20-21
4. Keep yourself in the Word daily Joshua 1:8
A. Words are containers of either faith or doubt
B. All of heaven hears our words Daniel 10:12
C. Words make things happen Mark 11:23-24
D. Our words have power and authority Proverbs 18:21
5. Establish right priorities in your life
A. God Matthew 22:37-39 First commandment of New Testament is to
love
God and the first 5 of the 10 commandments of the Old Testament
concern God. Putting Him first will make everything else right. Matthew
6:33 Seek first His kingdom.
B. Spouse Gen 2:18-25 God established this relationship as second
most important and it is to last for as long as we are on the earth. 1 Peter
3:1-7
C. Children Psalms 127 are an inheritance from God and parents are
responsible to train them according to God's Word. Proverbs 22:6
D. Yourself To follow the second commandment of the New Testament we
must love and take care of ourselves (healthy food, enough rest,
exercise, mentally informed) 1 Corinthians 6:19
E. Friends Hebrews 10:25 We need each other even more now.
F. Church John 3:16 God loves us and will send Jesus back for His
bride
G. Job This is the area that often tries to assert itself above others
6. Now forget the past by asking God's forgiveness as well as any others
(1 John 1:9) then look forward and follow Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Topic 4
Fruit That Remains

1. John 15:1-16 Winning the lost to Jesus is bearing fruit that remains.
a. No more important task; its what Jesus came to do Luke 19:10
b. Jesus described His ministry as saving the lost Luke 15:4-72 Why more
joy over a lost sheep? Because a sinner will be eternally forsaken in hell
if He is not saved.
c. 2 Timothy 2:3-6 Paul exhorts Timothy and us to be soldiers and hard
working farmers.
2. We need to do more than just pray people in, we need to confront them in love.
a. Some say I'm to busy, let someone else do it
b. Some say I do not know enough

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 c. But if we see the lost like a drowning person, we should through them the
life line. A drowning person doesn't care who saves them.
d. Luke 15:8-10 There is joy in saving the lost and joy is strength
(Nehemiah 8:10)
e. Luke 15:11-20 Prodigal son reevaluated his life, which everyone does at
some point (vs. 18). They realize they are accountable.
f. Vs 21-31 The Father's heart is to go out after them.
3. Acts 13:36 WE are to fulfill God's purpose in our generation and His purpose is
people.
4. The church is not to be impotent, but reproductive.
5. 2 Timothy 4:5 No matter what our call we are to do the work of an evangelist.
6. Man's greatest problem is sin, and his greatest need is forgiveness
a. Only salvation in Jesus solves these, but somebody has to tell them
b. God's love in you is all the motivation you need
c. We have the message Romans 1:16
d. We know heaven and hell are real
e. We have to wake them up and get them out of the fire of eternal hell
f. We have experienced salvation and we know its joy, so tell them
g. Do not wait John 4:35-36 There is a reward - fruit that remains.

Topic 5
Two Views of Ministry

1. Liturgical and Evangelical

a. Greatest example of liturgical is Catholic or Orthodox church
1. Believe in priestly authority and only a priest can perform the
sacraments of the church (baptism, communion, confirmation,
confession, weddings)
2. Generally believe they are to rule the world; only they have
infallible truth
3. Emphasis is on faith of the church (or in the church) rather than
individual faith in Jesus
b. After Reformation (Martin Luther) the evangelical began to grow.
1. Men want and need to be free of traditions of men Matthew 15:1-
9
2. Evangelical mainly includes Protestants
3. It is proclamational rather than sacerdotal
a) The Lord's Supper is a proclamation and so is baptism and
the rest
b) They proclaim the Gospel (good news)

2. Priesthood is available to every believer 1 Peter 2:1-10

a. We have immediate and consistent access to Holy of Hollies Hebrews

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 10:19-22
b. We have ministry of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:18
c. We have ministry of intercession 1 Timothy 2:1, Colossians 4:12
d. We are of offer sacrifice of praise Hebrews 13:15, life Romans 12:1-2,
and substance Luke 6:38
3. Liturgical say sacraments have a mystery not to be understood by the common
person, the laity, but evangelical say through Jesus the mystery is revealed
a. Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:11, 1 Corinthians 2:7-16, Colossians 1:24-25
b. Evangelicals use the term ordinance rather than sacrament (having a
sacred character or mysterious meaning)
c. For example in the liturgical church only the priest performs the
sacraments of Eucharist (communion), baptism, marriage ceremony
d. Ordinances are a command or direction of authority
e. We are not to be blind to the revelation of God's Word, our spiritual
perception is not to be dull (Romans 11:19-25)
f. The anointed preaching of the Word is the only area where a minister
would stand above other believers, but this is for the purpose of sharing or
teaching so the church can be edified.
4. Biblical view of ministry can be different from liturgical or evangelical
a. The nature of ministry should be:
1. Proclaiming (Mark 16:15-18)
2. Life style, Not just in the pulpit Galatians 2:20
3. Authoritative and bold Philippians 1:20, 1Ti 3:13
4. Counsel of the Word 1 Peter 1:23-25
b. The content of ministry should be:
1. The Good News, the full Gospel Luke 4:18-19
2. Proclaiming Christ's death, burial and resurrection 1 Corinthians
15:3-4, Act 8:4-8
3. Proclaiming the Word 2 Timothy 4:2
c. The purpose of ministry should be:
1. Evangelism 2 Timothy 4:5, Acts 1:8
2. Instruction 2 Timothy 3:16
3. Growth Ephesians 4:12-16, Matthew 28:18-20
d. The forces of the ministry are:
1. Truth John 8:31-32
2. Anointing 1 John 2:20
3. Power Acts 1:8
4. Conviction John 16:8
5. Wisdom 1 Corinthians 1:17
5. Meaning of the word minister
a. Greek word meaning one who serves, officiates
b. Inferior to the Master John 15:4 Without Him we can do nothing
c. Obedient agent of the Master
d. Also translated servant (Mark 10:43-45), steward (1 Peter 4:10), deacon,
shepherd
6. Marks of ministry 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

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 a. More important to be approved (marked) of God than of man
b. The more we delight ourselves in the Lord, the more desire He gives us
Psalms 37:4
c. Our servanthood is first toward Jesus, then toward the people John 15:6
If we do not fellowship with Jesus (the Word), then men will cast us aside.
d. Our desire should be to hear Him say, when we see Him face to face,
"Well done thou good and faithful servant"

Topic 6
Your Personal Relationship With Jesus and Your Family

1. In the ministry we need our family relationship to be as strong as possible

2. Hebrews 13:7 See Jesus in the person you are following and imitate their faith
a. Do not follow blindly any man. Look for fruits Know that men can fail you,
Christ never will
b. Follow others only as they follow the Lord
3. 1 Peter 5:1-4 Requirements of Elders
a. Speak to others the things God has told you to say but know they will not
always accept them
4. Be careful of your life style for you are called to save people, not accumulate
things
a. Do not live above your people unless they are living in poverty
b. Do not be a stumbling block, but an example 1 Timothy 4:12
5. 1 Peter 5:3-4 Feed the sheep; do not try to be a lord over them
a. Seek the crowns of heaven not of men. You are not a dictator
6. Do not lose your first love, Jesus (Revelations 2:4-5). Walk in the love He
walks in
a. Be the same person at home as you are in public
b. What you are is more important than what you do
c. Your family will walk in your steps so follow Jesus
7. We are to reproduce ourselves in others, including our families just as Jesus did
in His disciples.
a. Jesus' disciples did not always appear to be following Him either
8. Spend quality time with your mate and your children
a. People can find another to minister to them, but only you can be a mate to
your husband or wife. Only you can be a father or mother to your children
b. If you love them and communicate with them when they are small they will
love and communicate with you when they grow up

Topic 7

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 Ordinances of the Church

1. Ordination is not a calling or even setting someone in an office, it is recognizing

the calling of God on someone's life.
a. Laying on of hands is for impartation of spiritual gifts
b. We do no validate a ministry; God does that, we just judge the fruit
2. Water baptism is an outward sign that you have submitted to the Lordship of
Jesus
a. Basic doctrine (Hebrews 6:1-2)
b. Baptism does not save Romans 10:9; Faith in Jesus saves
c. Mark 16:16 does not say he who is not baptized is condemned.
d. Give instruction from the Word concerning water baptism: Colossians
2:12, 1 Peter 3:12, Acts 2:38,41 commission Matthew 28:18-20
e. Infant baptism is not necessary Romans 7:7-12 if children are born alive
unto God.
1. We should however dedicate ourselves as parents to raise our
children in and according to the Word
2. The church family should be a support to the parents also
3. A prayer, a vow or confession, a certificate, and a gift can be part
of this ceremony
3. Communion or the Lord's Supper is not to be a religious ritual of tradition
a. Should be done in dignity, honor, worship, and power
b. Most important part of a service, focal point
c. Teach on emblems, covenant, forgiveness, faith 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
d. Remember provisions of the new covenant Matthew 26:26-28, Luke
22:19-20
4. Marriage ceremony should follow adequate marriage counseling
a. Be sure they are ready 2 Corinthians 6:14, Philippians 4:6, Ephesians
6:1-2
b. Share Word on marriage: Ephesians 5:23-33, Gen 1-3, Matthew 18:18-
20, Matthew 19:1-10, 1 Corinthians 7:1-16
c. Marriage is more than a ceremony and a honeymoon, it is a life's work
d. Encourage communication, financial planning, planning of children
e. Suggest good books to help them
f. Let bride and/or groom choose details of ceremony as long as it is
scriptural
5. Funerals are a time of serving family of the deceased
a. Go immediately to the family; pray with them and help with arrangements
1. Contact family members if they wish
2. Help with funeral home, cemetery, casket, time and place of
service
3. Gather special information about the deceased to make service
personal
4. Be accessible
b. Share order of service with others involved
1. Funeral director, other minister, musician

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 c. Give comfort, encouragement, plan of salvation from the Word
Revelations 1:8, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26,54-58, Philippians 1:20,
Ecclesiastes 7:1, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Psalms 116:15, John 8:15, 1
Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalms 23, John 11:25-26, Psalms 121, 46, 91

Topic 8
Organization and Time Management

1. Organization and management skills are a gift of the Holy Spirit Romans 12:8-
12
a. A tool to use that will release greater ministry (ex Bible Fellowship
Groups)
b. Organization and management giftings should be working for you not you
working for them
2. Determine your goals from the vision God has given you
a. Ask God Jeremiah 29:11-14, Jam 1:5-6, Matthew 21:21-22
b. Ask yourself where do I want to go? Psalms 37:4
c. Ask where do the people need to be? Amos 3:7, Acts 20:26-28
3. Goals come out of your purpose in God or vision God has given you Hos 4:6
a. Nehemiah and wall (Nehemiah 1:4-11, 2:4,8); Ezra and the Temple Ezra
7:10,27,28
4. Write down your goals. Keep them before you so you do not waste time on
things that do not contribute toward your goals
a. Habakkuk 2:2 (you need to write the vision before you and others can
run with it
b. Pray that you are doing the right thing with the right people helping you
1. Jesus prayed and fasted 40 days before he choose His disciples
John 1:35-42
2. Describe the job clearly that each is to do. Jesus did Matthew
10:5-15
c. Delegation, the key to reaching your goals
1. Need people who compliment your weakness (Do not be proud)
2. Get people who can share your vision Amo 3:3
3. You need servant-minded, faithful people Nehemiah 4:6
4. Find out what they do best and place them there Nehemiah 3:1-6
(Note vs. 5 where some were recognized as not faithful) Hanani
was given extra authority because he had proved faithful
Nehemiah 7:2
d. Delegation is releasing the ability that God has put into others
1. Keys to delegating
a) Write down the things that need to be done
b) Tell them what you desire to achieve
c) Tell them what your goals are

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 d) Review their progress with them and encourage and correct
e)
f) Give them jobs that are in their ability to do
(1) Reward faithfulness, rather than talent
(2) If job is beyond ability frustration and lack of interest
result
5. Three types of leaders (governments or administrations). Be the one needed at
the time
a. Servant Act 6:1-6
b. Steward = manager, pastor who loves the sheep 1 Timothy 1:7
c. Steersman = overseer, one who holds the course

6. If you are working for another ministry get a job description.

a. It will save your job and your reputation
b. It will prevent frustration and misunderstandings with all concerned

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