1 Do-It-Yourself

2 The Principle of DIY “Do-it-yourself” refers to the principle of self reliance; performing a task yourself rather than hiring it done or others doing it. Used in matters of home improvement, auto repair, tax preparation, etc. DIY has gained popularity as a cost saving measure in a down economy! But, the gospel of Christ has always been a do- it-yourself religion!

3 What about meals? Some churches have their “fellowship hall.” – This assembly is our place of fellowship! Liberals abuse and misuse the term “fellowship”! – Never used in NT in context of socializing! Prepare meals yourself! – In your home! 1 Cor. 10:17-34 – A duty of hospitality Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2 Tit. 1:8; 1 Pet. 4:9 – Not a work of the church! No scriptural authority!

4 What about transportation? Some churches have their “bus ministry.” – Use your own car! – Don’t burden the church! If “bus ministries” are scriptural, why is there no mention of “chariot ministries” in the N.T.? – Acts 8:28-38 This is a responsibility of members! – To assist those who have a need: Gal. 6:1-5; Matt. 9:1 Indicates selfishness & laziness! – James 2:14-16; Phil. 2:1-8 No scriptural authority!

5 What about Bible classes? Some expect the preacher, elders, Bible class teachers to do all the teaching! – “We pay the preacher to do that….” – “that is his job…not mine” – “The elders should do this…” – “Who ME????” What about these verses? – 2 Tim. 2:1-2 – Heb. 5:12-14 – Eph. 6:1-4 – Duet. 6:4-7

6 What about helping the needy? Many efforts by churches to help the needy! – Soup kitchens! – Food banks & homeless shelters! – Thanksgiving baskets! The church may only help needy saints! – 1 Cor. 16:1-2—Saints are to be helped! – Acts 2:44, 45–Saints were relieved by the church! – Acts 4:34, 35–Saints were relieved by the church! – Acts 11:27-30–Saints were relieved by the church! We (individuals) must “labor with our hands” to help needy non-members and members as well! – Eph. 4:28; Prov. 14:21; 19:17; 21:13; 31:20 – Opportunity + Ability = Responsibility!

7 What about entertainment? Some see this as a work of the church! – Church sponsored youth programs: Sports teams, Camping trips, Arts & crafts classes – Social gospel gimmicks! Serving the physical, rather than the spiritual is the focus! It is all about - Fun, Food, Frolic! – See Slicer Street “Church of Christ” web siteSlicer Street “Church of Christ” web site Such programs are not a work of the church! – An element of hospitality! – Should be provided by parents! Col. 3:16; 2 Jn. 9-11

8 The work of the church is 4-Fold! To preach the gospel to the lost: – 1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:14-18 To help needy members (saints): – Acts 4:34, 35; 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 5:16 To edify itself in the gospel of Christ: – Eph. 4:11-16 To discipline its wayward members (saints): – 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thess. 3:6-16 Is the church you are a member of doing the works of God or men?

9 What about Christian duties? Duties of members (individually): – Visiting or calling on the sick & wayward? – Building maintenance/cleaning – Preparing the Lord’s Supper? – Sending out tracts Bible correspondence courses? – Arranging Bible studies? – Providing a ride for one who doesn’t drive? – Hospitality All of these are needful works by individual members of the church (the body of Christ)! – Rom. 12:4; 1 Cor. 12:12-31

10 What about these “ministries”! “Track rack ministry” “Building maintenance ministry” “Audio visual ministry” “Bus ministry” “Clothing ministry” “Bible class ministry” “Potluck ministry” “Bulletin ministry” “Communion ministry” “Janitorial ministry” “Movie review ministry” “Recreation planner ministry” “Social event ministry”

11 Slicer Street church of Christ Ministries Ministry is a rather fancy word for “a job to do that serves the mission of the church.” At Slicer Street we strive to provide our members with opportunities to serve in ministries that matter. Our goal is to reach for fullness by reaching in to each other, out to others, and up to God. The operative term in this goal is “reach.” In order to have fullness, we have to reach for it through effort. So we want every member to have opportunities to reach toward this fullness in areas that fit their gifting, their age levels, and their interests. In outreach, we have a television ministry which involves people to record, to play tapes, and to operate the cameras. We also have the Dorcas group to provide clothing and various items of need and encouragement in the community. In upreach, we have need of individuals to serve in our public worship and to teach classes. Reaching in requires people to participate in fixing meals and setting up and cleaning up from various activities which allow all members to gather for fellowship and relationship. This would include Wednesday night meals, Men’s Night, Ladies Night, Potlucks, Area Wide Worship services, and youth devotionals. These are the formal ministries. What are often overlooked are the informal ministries: raising children, sending out cards, intercessory prayer, calls of encouragement, etc. There’s plenty to do, but if something that you enjoy needs to be started and it fits our goals, there’s always room for more!

12 Slicer Street church of Christ Ministries Ministry is a rather fancy word for “a job to do that serves the mission of the church.” At Slicer Street we strive to provide our members with opportunities to serve in ministries that matter. Our goal is to reach for fullness by reaching in to each other, out to others, and up to God. The operative term in this goal is “reach.” In order to have fullness, we have to reach for it through effort. So we want every member to have opportunities to reach toward this fullness in areas that fit their gifting, their age levels, and their interests. In outreach, we have a television ministry which involves people to record, to play tapes, and to operate the cameras. We also have the Dorcas group to provide clothing and various items of need and encouragement in the community. In upreach, we have need of individuals to serve in our public worship and to teach classes. Reaching in requires people to participate in fixing meals and setting up and cleaning up from various activities which allow all members to gather for fellowship and relationship. This would include Wednesday night meals, Men’s Night, Ladies Night, Potlucks, Area Wide Worship services, and youth devotionals. These are the formal ministries. What are often overlooked are the informal ministries: raising children, sending out cards, intercessory prayer, calls of encouragement, etc. There’s plenty to do, but if something that you enjoy needs to be started and it fits our goals, there’s always room for more!

13 Liberals abuse the term “ministry”! “Track rack ministry” “Building maintenance ministry” “Audio visual ministry” “Bus ministry” “Clothing ministry” “Bible class ministry” “Potluck ministry” “Bulletin ministry” “Communion ministry” “Janitorial ministry” “Movie review ministry” “Recreation planner ministry” “Social event ministry” “…if something that you enjoy needs to be started and it fits our goals, there’s always room for more!”

14 What About These? Acts 9:36 Eph. 2: Tim. 2: Tim. 5: Tim. 3:16-17 Tit. 2:6-7, 14; 3:8 Heb. 10:24 Individual responsibilities of members!

15 Conclusion You can do it! You must do it! You must take individual responsibility in certain matters!