Ministry to the believer in an Authentic Church

Ministry to God

Worship in an Authentic Church is not merely a preparation for something else: it is in itself fulfilling the major purpose of the church.

Ministry to the world: Evangelism and Mercy

Jesus told us to 'make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19).

This evangelistic work of declaring the gospel is the primary ministry of an Authentic Church to the world. Yet the work of evangelism is also a ministry of mercy, caring for the poor and needy

Ministry to the believer: Nurture

An Authentic Church has anobligation to nurture those who are already believers and build them up to maturity in the faith.

Which of these three points arethe most important?

• Ministry to God
  
• Ministry to the world
  
• Ministry to the believer
  

A church that emphasise only worship will end up with its members remaining shallow in their understanding of the word of God and immature in their lives.

If a church neglects evangelism it will cease to grow and influence others. A church that place teaching of believers as a purpose will produce Christians who know Biblical doctrine but will be spiritually dry because they know little of the joy of worshiping God or telling others the good news.

A church that makes evangelism a priority will end up with immature Christians who emphasis growth in numbers but have less and less genuine love for God

An Authentic Church keeps the balance and all three major purposes. Where the three major purposes are continually being emphasised a healthy authentic church will grow.

Ministry to the Believer

• Christ holds it all together Colossians 1:15
• Our goal must be like Paul's not only to bringpeople to initial saving faith but to present every man and woman mature inChrist
  

1. A people who love and are rooted in the Word of God
2. A people who are united together
3. People with a certainty in God
4. A people growing to be more like Christ
5. A people strong in faith
6. A people who are family
7. A people who are devoted

• Read it regularly
• Feed themselves from it
• Seek to understand the Word
• Use it for guidance and making decisions
• Encourage themselves and others from it

• Everyone plays their part
  
• Everyone moves in the gift given
• Building up and encouraging oneanother
• Enjoy being together and want tobe together
• We are one heart and one mind andare big enough to let go of personal opinions as we give yourselves to a bigger vision

• Confident in who God is and thathe will fulfil His promise
• Bringing hope to others

• Personal development – each one on their own journey
• Growing as a church into a more fully rounded expression of Christ
• Growing in numbers – the church continues to grow

• Trusting in God to do all he haspromised
• Faith for what is on God's heart
• Faith for individual circumstances
• Faith for the church resources to fulfil the vision for new people to become part ofthe local church

• When one does well all do well
• When one hurts all hurt
• Everyone is valued equally
• Everyone is honoured and has adeposit of the Holy Spirit in them
• Different roles, functions butnot valued more or less
• Old people, children; singles and families, those from different backgrounds welcomed and valued
• No cliques or in crowd
• A sense of family who care for one another – hugged, welcomed, card, flowers, phone call etc.
• We have fun together, time madefor social activities, humour is encouraged

• Committed not just to attendingmeetings or serving but to Christ andHis purpose
• Devotion = love no burden too heavy, no task toohard when we do it for love