Ministry in the Church
The Rev. Lou Tiscione, Pastor, Weatherford Presbyterian Church (PCA)
“He [the LORD] bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under His feet. He rode on a cherub and flew; He came swiftly on the wings of the wind. He made darkness His covering, His canopy around Him, thick clouds dark with water. Out of the brightness before Him hailstones and coals of fire broke through His clouds” (Psalm 18:9-12 ESV). David wrote these words and through them painted a picture of the awesome majesty of God. His description of God is the foundation for the succeeding verses that declare God’s holy judgment! The true God whom David described will execute perfect justice.
By definition, every pastor is called by God and sent by the church to preach and teach His word and shepherd His people. A question that regularly runs through my mind is, “How much of God is truly proclaimed in churches?” It has been said over the centuries by theologians and philosophers that man’s most basic need is to know God and oneself in relation to God. Accurate knowledge of who we are proceeds from the revealed truth of God, the Bible.
Knowing God and ourselves in relationship to Him connects our hearts to our heads. That is, making this connection motivates how we live. It is God who makes the connection. He enters the mind and pierces the heart. Ministry in the church begins with the revealed truth of God and continues as that knowledge is applied.
God is full of majesty. He is the one who created everything and therefore owns everything. All life is lived before Him. Therefore, it follows that all Christian ministry which is service is performed in light of and because of the knowledge of God.
The great theologian, Dr. J.I. Packer once said, “Do not seek to interpret Scripture until you have been interpreted by Scripture.” As a minister of the gospel I am made constantly aware that my study and preparation to preach and teach the Bible is a means that God uses to change me. My conviction by the Spirit of God occurs prior to standing in the pulpit. The word is a means of God’s grace precisely because He changes His people through it as it is studied.
King David was living proof that God’s word in concert with His Spirit changed him. He wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit about the God he worshiped. In the verses quoted from Psalm 18, David wrote not only of God’s supreme majesty but also of His holy justice. Like David, we all live before this God.
In addition, the book attributed to David’s son, Solomon, says this about God’s method for life and ministry, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
Both King David and Solomon understood the fear of the LORD and saw their lives in the light of God’s word. Likewise, as we combine God’s revelation of: His awesomeness, His holy justice with the source of knowledge and understanding we discover that “fear of the LORD” is the root of life and ministry in the church.
The shape of ministry in the church is revealed. God’s revealed shape of ministry is learn who He is and apply His revealed character in every situation. God’s method stands in stark contrast to man’s. Men suggest that proper and effective ministry in the church requires that we learn what people need and then set out to meet those needs. This has proven to grow churches larger. Yet, growing numbers does not appear to accomplish growing influence, growing holiness, or the ability to make critical decisions. When we use man’s methods we get man’s results. But when we use God’s methods, we get His results.
One problem with man’s methods is each new circumstance requires a new program. The church becomes a program generator rather than a place where the truth is heard, lived and shared. We are seeing the results of man’s methods. More and more professing Christians are unable to articulate what they believe or why. Surveys reveal that the lifestyles of church members look like the lifestyles of the world.
I love the church for whom Christ died. I love the church and I am accountable to God to declare His means by which He makes us more like Christ. May your church aid you in growing in the knowledge and love of God for His glory.
