{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"26 The Purpose of Ministry","description":"Episode 26: The Purpose of Ministry In past episodes we have discussed some the individual ministries in the church. Today we want to look at the purpose of those ministries all working together in harmony under the direction of God. Many times we tend to focus on one particular ministry that we like or think is most important. A common one today is \u201cThe Pastor.\u201d While pastors (or elders) are a very important ministry in the local gathering, God does not intend for us to focus on a single ministry but rather allow God to use all of the ministries together to bring us into maturity in Christ. We need everything that God has provided to achieve God\u2019s goals. \u2022 God\u2019s way of maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16) o To prepare each member for work of ministry o To bring unity of the faith o A true knowledge of the Son of God o A perfect (mature) man o Fullness of Christ o No longer children, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine o Not deceived o Speaking the truth in love o Growing up into Christ o Every joint (relationship) supplying o Edification in love \u2022 Some specific fruit of ministry o Christ as Lord of each individual and assembly as a whole o Spiritual life (manifestation of the Spirit, I Cor. 12:1-11) o Expression of God\u2019s love\u2014Col. 3:14) o Maturity (growth in expression of God\u2019s character) o The expression of the Cross (death to world, sin, law) o Holiness (expression of God\u2019s nature) \u2022 The importance of ministry functioning together o No one man (or ministry) can fully express God (I Cor. 12:12-31) o We \u201ctogether\u201d are the Body of Christ A very good discussion of the \u201cwork of ministry\u201d in the plan of God: http:\/\/www.ntchurchsource.com\/literature\/read\/ministry\/ \u2022 Additional resources at  http:\/\/www.ntchurchsource.com\/ \u2022 Theme song \u201cWill Your Anchor Hold\u201d sung by J. Ashley Milne \u2022 Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com   ","author_name":"Anchor of Truth","author_url":"http:\/\/anchoroftruth.libsyn.com","html":"