7.9 Tasks of the ministries

Apostle Paul writes: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" (1 Corinthians 12: 4-7). Thus each minister is a servant of God with the task of proclaiming and advocating the unadulterated gospel of Christ. He provides care to the members of the congregation entrusted to him, and promotes their faith and knowledge. In caring for their souls, he sympathises with their personal concerns, prays with them, and helps them carry the burdens of daily life. The minister is an example for the congregation. To him the words apply: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Philippians 2: 3).

 

The following remarks describe aspects of the individual ministerial gifts. They are vested in all ministries, but come to expression differently.

SUMMARY

Ordination is performed by an Apostle in the name of God through laying on of hands and prayer. Through the ordination the necessary ministerial capacities are imparted and ministerial authority is issued out of the Apostle ministry. (7.7→)

 

The minister can only discharge his ministry in connection with the apostolate and in the power of the Holy Spirit. (7.7→)

 

The sanctification that has come forth through the ordination must be put into practice by the minister. He exercises his ministry within the framework of the authority issued to him. (7.8→)

 

Every minister is a servant of God. He provides pastoral care to the members of the congregation entrusted to him and promotes their faith. (7.9→)