What is Christian ministry? What should it look like? The answer to these questions has poured forth whole libraries of books. Many with very different paradigms. How can we get clarity? 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 is a great place to cut to the heart of ministry.
When Paul and his team ministered to the people at Thessalonia it was only for a few short weeks. Then conflict and persecution drove Paul and his team away. But so deep and clear was Paul’s pattern of ministry that he can write back to them and point out what the Thessalonians experienced.
The ministry pattern is laid bare. Paul reveals a wonderful and radical picture of Christian ministry.
Source: This discipleship article is directly based on the talk Radical Ministry by Matt Hodge. You can watch the talk here: https://www.youtube.com/live/CQJ03LpYdf0?feature=shared
The outline of this talk has been written up as a resource for the church. May God use it to grow you and your ministry in Jesus.
Prep: If you’re using this blog post as a training paper tt would be helpful to read through Acts 17:1-10 to see first hand Paul’s mission trip and how rough it was.
How to use it
Read through 1 Thessalonians 2.
Read through each section.
Engage with the questions at the end of each section. They are designed to be challenging. Accept the challenge.
What are the markers of a good minister / leader?
Ministry Marker #1 – They Often Minister Under Difficult Circumstances
You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.
Ministry Marker #2 – Their Motive and Message Are Important
3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.
Ministry Marker #3 – Their Ministering Should be Gentle
7 Instead, we were like young children [i.e. gentle] among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
Ministry Marker #4 – They Share Themselves
7 Instead, we were like young children [i.e. gentle] among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
Ministry Marker #5 – They Live Carefully
9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
Our Challenge – as a Leader
Most of us lead others in some way or form. Not only that but God’s word expects us to keep growing such that we are heading towards building others up and leadership in various forms. So, even if you don’t currently lead some one, God willing, you will soon.
Score yourself on these questions from 1 to 5. 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest.
1. I minister under difficult circumstances, persevering in them.
2. I am resolute of teaching the gospel clearly and correctly to those I lead, knowing that I have been entrusted with the gospel
3. My aim is always to please God in my ministry above all else.
4. I am never tempted by flattery or greed in my ministry relationships.
5. I am always gentle toward those I lead, without compromising on the truth.
6. I share my life as much as possible with those I lead.
7. I always act in both my public and private life in a way that is holy, righteous and blameless.
Add up your score. A perfect score would be 35. (In this case, you maybe Jesus.) Reflect on your score. (Remember we are saved by Jesus’ work on the Cross for us, not our works but this doesn’t mean there are no areas where we need to change and grow.)
Discuss with your group, with honesty, which questions ranked highest for you. And, which were lowest.
Discuss why you think some areas were low for you. And why some were high.
What needs to change in your heart, head or in how you live?
Commit this in prayer to God together, praying for each other.
What about the people receiving the ministry? (Followers)
Follower Marker #1 – We will be called to change our lives
11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
Follower Marker #2 – We are not looking to human teaching, but to God himself
13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
Follower Marker #3 – We will develop a robust faith
14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
Our Challenge – as someone receiving the ministry and growing
Read through the section again on being someone who receives ministry.
Every one of us receives ministry in one way or another from others. And ultimately from God either through his people or directly through his Word, by his Spirit. Score yourself on these questions from 1 to 5. 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest.
1. My goal in life is to live a life worthy of God in every area.
2. When God’s word is taught to me, according to the Scriptures, I receive it as God speaking to me by his Holy Spirit to teach me, challenge me, encourage me, and rebuke me.
3. My faith is growing such that I am prepared to suffer and face hardship for Jesus’ glory and for his gospel.
Add up your score. A perfect score would be 15. (In this case, you may be Jesus.) Reflect on your score. (Remember we are saved by Jesus’ work on the Cross for us, not our works but this doesn’t mean there are no areas where we need to change and grow.)
Discuss with your group, with honesty, which questions ranked highest for you. And, which were lowest.
Discuss why you think some areas were low for you. And why some were high.
What needs to change in your heart, head or in how you live?
Commit this in prayer to God together, praying for each other.
This Sounds Hard – Why Do People Sign Up for this?
What is Our Hope / Joy / Crown?
17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?
Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
Our Challenge – it isn’t about us. It’s about JOY – Jesus, Others, You
Reflect on 1 Thessalonians 2v17-20 above.
How do you view other Christians at your church? Do you share the Apostle Paul’s understanding?
Discuss the extent to which you share Paul’s understanding of other Christians.
What needs to change in your heart, head or in how you live?
Commit this in prayer to God together, praying for each other.
By all means use this training paper in your church or ministry but please references Risen Church and our website in your usage. Thank you.