Philosophy

WHY I AM IN MINISTRY

The simple answer is because God has called me to be in ministry. He has given me a deep knowledge of His Word (1 Cor. 12:8) and a love for His people (1 Cor. 13:13) which I am choosing not to neglect (1 Tim. 4:14), but to use for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7). One of my strongest desires in life is to leave people better than I found them. The reason I spend so much time and energy studying God’s Word is because I strive to know God more and to make Him known. I want my life to make an eternal impact for His glory in the lives of many people all over the world. I believe my dominant giftings in life are both teaching and encouragement. Thus, I desire to faithfully shepherd God’s people that they may flourish in their God-given capacity and live in the light of God’s revealed Truth.

THE PURPOSE OF MY MINISTRY

To minister is to serve others (Heb. 1:14). Therefore, the ultimate purpose of ministry is to reflect the character of Christ by serving both believers and unbelievers (Matt. 20:28).

WHAT I DESIRE TO ACHIEVE IN MINISTRY

While I recognize that every situation is unique, I do believe that the following four goals may be implemented in any church in some form.

1.      Goal: Teaching the Entirety of Scripture

I believe that the church is responsible for teaching the entire Word of God (Matt. 28:20). The Bible is the proclamation of Christ that grants us, as believers, a balanced view of God while also aiding us in our greater maturation (Col. 1:28). I believe in serving my congregation to enable them to become the most Biblically-literate church in the world.

The How

One of the most effective ways to teach through the whole Bible is to create a plan that the leaders review annually. By utilizing Sunday morning as well as mid-week services, weekend retreats and seminars, and weekly small groups, the church would be able to realistically study through the entirety of Scripture in fifteen years or less.

2.      Goal: Raising Up Leaders

I desire to mobilize and raise up leaders from within the congregation to teach and lead those around them. The church should not just look for a willing human being to fill a need as the Bible contains extensive qualifications for leaders that include every aspect of their lives (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9). Leaders should be held to high but realistic standards.

The How

It would benefit everyone to raise up leaders from among our own congregation. This would facilitate their growth from attendees to active participants. Eventually, we could have the church open six days a week as we would have more leaders who could share the teaching responsibilities and thus reach those who have a work conflict on Sundays.

3.      Goal: Healthy Discipleship

I would like there to be many varying opportunities for believers to learn how to practically apply God’s Word in their own lives and to promote healthy and godly relationships both inside and outside of the church. Disciple-making is done through every avenue of life, not just the areas we prefer.

The How

While evaluations have a purpose, discipleship is not always confined to a formal meeting. On the contrary, healthy and natural discipleship occurs in a wide variety of ways when believers become involved in each other’s lives. From church services, having people over for dinner, game nights, small groups, etc. Everything we do is an opportunity to become more like Christ.

4.      Goal: Dependence on Christ

The church is responsible for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training up future believers who will lead God’s people. The goal in ministry is not to make myself indispensable as I will not always be here. It would be detrimental if the church suffered at my departure because they grew more dependent on me rather than on the Lord.

The How

My role as the pastor is to do everything I can to build up the church and to raise up godly leaders to continue the work both in our local church and in ministry outside of our church.  In order to aid in the transition of dependence from the pastor to the Lord, I desire to give other leaders in our church the opportunity to preach on occasion, rotate the delegation of some of the other pastoral responsibilities, and direct members to other leaders that are more gifted or experienced in the expressed need.