MINISTRY PHILOSOPHY | MISSION TENSION
As we gaze through the scripture, we see value given to the organism and organization of God’s people. Jethro encouraged Moses to delegate the ministry of Israel to produce better organization. Deacons were instituted to organize the early church and multiply ministry. However, we also see Jesus heading up into the mountains in the early hours of the day to seek the Father before He ministered. We see the disciples waiting on the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room before heading out into church planting.
I Corinthians 12:4-7 says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” The scriptures teach that we are to value the bent and giftedness of members of the body so that we do not create an either/or status, but a both/and dimension. “But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you.” (I Cor. 12:20-21)
When God brought Israel into the Promised Land, He encouraged His people to participate in both organism and organization. The Ark of the Covenant was to be at the center of worship to remind the Israelites of their constant need to depend on God. However, there was also much activity, advancement, and conquering that God commanded. God never saw a dichotomy between depending on Him and acting, but rather saw them each as a necessary part of life in Him. The abiding presence of God provided clear vision and an unshakeable confidence in Him. This confidence was a springboard to act.
Abiding in God does not mean that we sit around and do as little as possible, as if human activity is the antithesis to dependence upon God. Conversely, it does not mean that we busy ourselves with activity and not really consider what it means to abide in Christ in the process. Both extremes are to be guarded against. As believers, our hearts are to be fueled by the person, power, and promises of Christ, and He then moves us to action.
Nehemiah and Ezra were men of great leadership capacity during the days of reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. Both books that bear their respective names demonstrate how each man impacted Israel through his diverse giftedness. Ezra, the priest, reclaimed the worship of Israel through the sacrificial system. He could be heard reading the Words of God for extended periods to bring the people to a place of abiding in God. “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). Nehemiah, the public official, was found scouting the wall of Jerusalem, devising a plan and facilitating a tremendous building project. Was one man more important than the other? No. God valued each man and the contribution he made to Israel. Each man’s bent was valuable and necessary to accomplish the will of God.
As the members of CCC embark upon new frontiers, we must be careful not to discredit the bent God has given to each person. Organization must be baptized in the power, presence, and person of Christ. Let us say, “Amen” for all calls to abide in Him. However, there are also times when those praying at the altar must be shaken to get out to the wall and repair a breach.
