Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7900 The life of the church  »  7939 ministry  »  7943 ministry, in the church

The regular ministry of officially appointed or recognised ministers is a particular instance of the duty and call of all God's people.

The responsibilities of those in recognised ministry

As shepherds

Acts 20:28 See also 1 Peter 5:2

As watchmen

Hebrews 13:17 See also Romans 16:17; Philippians 3:2

As teachers

1 Timothy 3:2 See also 2 Timothy 2:2,24

As examples

1 Timothy 4:16 See also Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:3

What believers owe to those with recognised ministries

Respect

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 See also Philippians 2:29; 1 Timothy 5:17

Obedience

Hebrews 13:17 See also 1 Corinthians 16:15-16

Support

1 Corinthians 9:14 Despite Jesus Christ's command, Paul did not claim his rights in this matter, but supported himself as a tentmaker. See also Luke 10:7; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:18; Deuteronomy 25:4

Prayer

Romans 15:30 See also Ephesians 6:19; Philippians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; Hebrews 13:18

Hospitality

Philippians 2:29-30 See also Galatians 4:14

Imitation

Hebrews 13:7

Recognised ministers should encourage the ministries of other believers

Colossians 4:17 See also Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 The Holy Spirit allocates gifts and enables ministries. No individual has all the gifts; ministry is shared and mutual; Ephesians 4:7,11-13

The motivation of ministry is mutual love

Galatians 5:13 See also Romans 12:10; Romans 13:8; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:23

How love is expressed in mutual ministry

In humility

Ephesians 4:2 See also Romans 12:10,16; Galatians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:5

In patience

1 Thessalonians 5:14 See also James 5:9

In acceptance and forbearance

Romans 15:7 See also Colossians 3:13

In kindness, compassion and forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32 See also Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:15

In burden-bearing

Galatians 6:2

In encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11 See also Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:24-25

In teaching and admonition

Colossians 3:16 See also Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:14

In prayer and confession of sin

James 5:16

In hospitality

1 Peter 4:9

See also

3254  Holy Spirit, fruit of
3275  Holy Spirit in the church
6652  forgiveness
7020  church, the
7622  disciples, characteristics
7733  leaders
7745  ordination
7924  fellowship in service
7966  spiritual gifts
8292  love
8414  encouragement
8445  hospitality