Its Functions

1. SCRIPTURAL CATEGORIES OF MINISTRY
1. The Ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
   See All...)
2. The Ministry to the Lord (Acts 13:2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
   See All...)
3. The Ministry of the Saints (1 Corinthians 16:15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
   See All...)
4. The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
   See All...)
2. THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD (Acts 6:4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
   See All...)
1. The Ministry Defined (Acts 6:1-4 [1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. [4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
   See All...)
1. The number of the disciples multiplied (Acts 6:1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
   See All...).
2. There arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because the widows were being neglected (Acts 6:1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
   See All...).
3. The twelve called the disciples unto them and said that they could not leave the Word of God to serve tables (Acts 6:2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
   See All...).
4. The twelve gave instructions to the disciples to choose men to appoint over the serving of tables (Acts 6:3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
   See All...).
5. The apostles determined to give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
   See All...).
2. The Foundational Nature
1. This ministry is foundational for all other ministries.
2. If this ministry is not fulfilled, then all other categories risk being unscriptural in their fulfillment.
3. The Ministry Executed
1. Preaching
1. The pastor
1. The foremost ministry of a pastor is the ministry of the Word.
2. He must continually give himself to the study of God’s Word in order to feed the members of his flock (John 21:15-17 [15] So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. [16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. [17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
   See All...; Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
   See All...; 1 Peter 5:1-3 [1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: [2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; [3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
   See All...).
3. He does not merely give himself to the study of the Bible to prepare to preach, but in order to be approved of God (2 Timothy 2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
   See All...).
4. Paul declared this great truth in his charge to a young pastor named Timothy (2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
   See All...).
2. The preachers
1. Though this is certainly the foremost responsibility of the pastor, it is also the responsibility of any man that is called of God to preach.
2. Every preacher must continually give himself to the Word of God so that he may be ready to preach a Bible message.
2. Teaching
1. There are many ministries within a church that are available for the purpose of teaching/learning the Word of God.
2. Those who lead these ministries must be given to the Word of God in order to help others in their understanding (2 Timothy 2:2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
   See All...).