Building on the Rock

Building on the Rock Ministry What is Christian Ministry? Warren Wiersbie: Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God. A) Motivated by the Glory of God B) Mediation of the Grace of God C) Manifestation of the Gift of God

Building on the Rock Ministry Is ministry confined to ministers? 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4  Look at this passage: Try to work out what kinds of roles Christian leaders have?   What is the purpose of Church leadership? What are some of the results of Christian ministry?

Building on the Rock Ministry Young people who became active church members had certain elements in common: a) They were taught to see how Biblical Truth could be lived out “in the real world” b) They had spent time in a young people’s group which celebrated that truth c) They had significant relationships with older and respected mentors who embodied the truth and modelled it

Building on the Rock Ministry Matthew 25 31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.   34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Building on the Rock Ministry Matthew 25 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Building on the Rock Ministry Discussion questions in groups Look at Matthew 25-31-40 What two types of animal are mentioned?   Is Jesus talking about agriculture? Who are the goats and who are sheep? When is this parable set – the past the present or the future? What do the goats not do and what do the sheep do? How do you know that someone has been changed by Jesus?

Building on the Rock Ministry Timothy: A Case Study Acts 16:1-5 Recruitment Timothy is recruited and he identifies himself with Paul. He follows Paul around and watches him work Acts 17:13-15 Initial Training Timothy picks up on the work Paul has been doing while he moves on Acts 18:5 Managed Ministry Paul and Timothy divide up the work and each one takes a part

Building on the Rock Ministry Philippians 2:19-24 1 Corinthians 4:16-18 Specialisation Timothy is working as a “trouble shooter” as Paul sends him into new situations Philippians 2:19-24 The heart of an effective servant Timothy has proved himself in that he cares about the work of the Kingdom whilst others only look out for themselves

Building on the Rock Ministry 2 Timothy 1:4-7 2 Timothy 2:1-2 Keeping the flame burning Timothy is heading up the work now. He is no longer reliant on the support from Paul but stirs up his gift with the power of the Spirit. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 Training others Timothy is mentoring and training others