Final Exam Flashcards
Define what a theology of ministry is, and to explain why it’s important to have one.
A theology of ministry is a guiding philosophy and view of the minister and ministry, rooted in Scripture and in the knowledge of God and his design for ministry, which provides a basis for the work of ministry.
It is important to have one because
1) it provides the framework, which gives you perspective, guides you, and keeps you from getting off track or becoming inconsistent
2) it is what guided the early church as theology and ministry were not separated, they went together and benefited each other
3) it is what our people need, people need practical answers grounded in theological truth.
Explain the “Trinitarian center” of ministry, and what each Person of the Trinity teaches us about ministry.
“Ministry is only legitimate to the extent that it is derived from God.” [Derek Tidball] God, in his three persons, defines ministry. He is the ultimate minister and it is important for the human minister to understand the role of each member of the Godhead in ministry.
1) The Father is the originator of ministry. He defines what true ministry is. Who he is and what he does is ministry. He is Father, Shepherd, Savior.
2) Christ is the essential model of ministry. He carried out the ministry of the Father and set the example for all other ministers to follow. Ministry must be incarnational, inclusive, kingdom-focused, subversive, salvific, exemplifying God, and authoritative.
3) The Holy Spirit is the empowerment for ministry. He empowered Christ and he empowers us to participate with Christ and follow his example.
List Biblical examples you use to build a theology of identity. What would the key elements of each example be? Be able to engage the question of special call, and the difference between special ministry and general ministry.
Biblical examples that help me build a theology of identity include:
1) Jesus Christ - shepherd, servant
2) The Apostles and N.T. Elders - shepherd, servant, steward, ambassador, builder, gardener
3) Old Testament Offices - prophet (speak God’s words), priest (stand in the gap through intercession), king (provide leadership, shape vision, administrate resources), sage/judge (instill truth into life)
“There remains a line as thin as a hair but as hard as a diamond between ordained ministry and a faithful lay person.” [Thomas Oden] The way I see special ministry versus general ministry is that special ministry includes God’s calling to function in a leading and equipping role in the church. God is very involved in determining who will lead his people. There is not a gap between special and general ministry, only a distinction.
Discuss ministry as ‘service’ and as ‘participation.’
The very nature of ministry is service, as is seen by the actual term for ministry, diakonia, which literally means service. Christ modeled this in his earthly ministry. Service implies submission and humility.
The nature of ministry is also participation, as the minister is participating with Christ in ministry, not merely imitating him. Ministry is participation with Christ in word, grace, presence, and reign.
Identify and explain the key elements of a ‘missional’ ministry. Be able to distinguish between ‘incarnational’ and ‘attractional’ mission.
1) Missional ministry is intentional - it is deliberate and purposeful; we are on a mission; it is constantly moving
2) Missional ministry is perpetuation - we are continuing what has already begun, continuing to flesh out God by being incarnational and continuing the advancement of God’s kingdom.
3) Missional ministry is redemptive - Jesus came to seek and save the lost and we are likewise sent as agents of reconciliation.
4) Missional ministry builds up - equipping and bringing believers to maturity
Incarnational mission takes place in the world, among the unsaved and to the unsaved, where Christians flesh out God by showing the love and character of Christ wherever they’re at. Attractional mission takes place in the gathered community of faith, where the unsaved come to a church event or facility where they can be changed.
Explain how our theology of ministry can guide us in a discussion of context for ministry.
Some people today have begun to question the legitimacy of the local church and would rather opt for the parachurch organization because they don’t like the institution and structure of the local church.
Our theology tells us that…
…our mission is to be done in the context of community,
…the New Testament set the example for communities in localized gatherings,
….structure is necessary to exist in community, institution is unavoidable
(It goes wrong if form becomes more important than function or if structure becomes the end rather than the means)
…the Church should be both incarnational and attractional
…the Church needs to gather to build up the Saints
…the Church gathered can serve as a mediator between God and the world
List and explain key requirements an individual should be able demonstrate before entering ministry.
1) A clear conversion
2) A calling to ministry
3) Godly character (purity, diligence, reverence, loving heart, integrity)
4) Specific giftedness
5) Affirmation of the Body of Christ
6) Appropriate preparation
List reasons why ministry is resisted, and to explain how a proper theological understanding of authority can help when a leader faces resistance.
Ministry is resisted because…
1) Our IDENTITY invites it
2) Our MISSION leads to it
3) Our UNION guarantees it
Scriptures’ stories affirms this
A proper theological understanding of authority helps when a leader faces resistance because then…
1) he takes hold of the authority he has to withstand and resist,
2) he lays hold of the Spirit and is aware of the power inside him working in his weakness, and
3) then he knows how to confront it with wisdom.
Address the question of measuring success in ministry in a theologically sound manner.
It is biblical to dream and seek God’s blessing, but ultimately promoting must be left up to God in his time and for his purposes. Success in ministry cannot be measured like a business. It’s not all about outward growth, in fact, success could even mean loss. Success is measured by what God sees internally. We have to be careful when we encounter growth, blessing, and success because praise is one of life’s greatest tests and dangers because it often leads to arrogance, self-dependence, boredom, and great sin. Success is being obedient and faithful to the work God has set out for you. Practical measurements for fruitfulness resulting from fulfilling God’s commands can be helpful, but whether you actually obeyed or not and did so faithfully and honestly is success.
List and explain some of the problems and rewards of ministry.
Problems:
1) Involvement with the menial and mundane - the drudge work
2) People viewing you as nice but insignificant, only relevant in a spiritual setting
3) Feeling of limited competency, people thinking you aren’t able to do much
4) Suspicion and mistrust
5) Unrealistic Expectations
Rewards:
1) Bringing Good News
2) Doing what God calls good
3) Watching over souls
4) The great challenge
5) In judgment, there is a promise of eternal reward
Identify a key lesson you’ve gained from Purves.
There is much to be learned from the study of the development of pastoral care throughout history. The writings of past theologically minded pastors can inform us of the timeless task, identity, role, and responsibility of the pastor/minister. One most important principle is Bucer’s emphasis on the role of the Bible and a focus on Christ. The active personal rule of Christ in the church needs to be recognized.
Identify a key lesson you’ve gained from Frost & Hirsch.
There are problems with the current model and shape of the traditional church because of its unbiblical approach and view of ministry. Frost and Hirsch come across as extremists in my opinion and overly dramatic, calling for a revolution in the church, but they make some very sound and biblical points. They emphasize the missional and incarnational approach to ministry rather than the traditional attractional approach. I would not totally throw out the attractional elements to mission, but shifting to a more missional emphasis is much needed. Seeing all of life as sacred also promotes a more biblical worldview. And the apostolic, plurality of gifting in leadership is another important shift that should take place.
