Index:
Definition of the Church
I. Eight Metaphors of the Church
First Metaphor of the Church-Building
Second Metaphor of the Church- Body
Third Metaphor of the Church- Bride
Fourth Metaphor of the Church-City
Fifth Metaphor of the Church- Flock
Sixth Metaphor of the Church- New Man
Seventh Metaphor of the Church- Visible & Invisible
Eighth Metaphor of the Church- Local and Universal
II. Church Ministry
III. Shortcomings of the present day Church
IV. Church Government
a) Pastoral Ministry
b) Elders (Historical Background)
Functions of an Elder (Calibre and teaching)
Capabilities / Qualifications of an Elder
c) Deacons
V. Church Growth Strategy
VI. Great Commission
VII. Discipleship
How to check discipleship
VIII. Church Theology:
IX. Harvest theology:
X. Impartation of Leader’s Vision among people:
XI. Mission:
Mission Statement
Two Mandates of Mission
Definition of the Church: “The Community of God of all the true believers for all times.”
Jesus Christ loved the Church and substituted himself for it on the cross.
“And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 01:22)
‘Ekklesia’ is the word used for the Church in the New Testament. ‘Ek’ means ‘Out of’; Klesia means, ‘Calling” - “called out people.”
I. Eight Metaphors of the Church:
First Metaphor of the Church:
“…and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not over come it.”(Mathew 16:18) – ‘I will build the Church.’ The Church is referred to as a Building. In the Old Testament God called people to himself – Deuteronomy 04:16 ‘gather the people.’ In the New Testament it is referred as a congregation. “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.” (Hebrews 02:12). “He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to Him on Mount Sinai….” (Acts 07:38). Church is a Spiritual Building as the people of God gather together where God dwells in the midst of His people. We therefore create a dwelling place in the midst of the Lord. “…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 02:05). Peter says that we are the Living Stones. Jesus has gathered all His stones (people) together to build His temple. He builds like an architect. Jesus is the Chief cornerstone of the Church Building. “For He chose us in Him before the creation of this world to be holy and blameless in His sight.”(Ephesians 01:04). “…who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.” (2 Timothy 01:09). Jesus is the builder and God is the architect of the Church.
Second Metaphor of the Church:
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:04). Paul uses the metaphor of the Body. It represents different parts of the body functioning together. “Now the body is not made up of one, but of many…” (1 Corinthians 12:14-31). In 1 Corinthians, chapter 12 the Church represents the whole body. In Ephesians 04:15-16 Christ is the head of the Body. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him, who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself in love, as each part does its work.” & in Ephesians 1:22, “And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” The Will of God the Father for the Church is to grow into the fullness of Jesus. All of us are inter-related as a part of the Body. We grow up into the likeness of Jesus Christ. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Third Metaphor of the Church:
In Ephesians 05:22-33, Paul talks about marriage. The term Bride of Christ is not clearly found in the Bible but relates to woman as a companion. Church is the Bride of Christ. “Wives, submit to your husbands as the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church, His body, of which He is the saviour. Now as the Church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything...” & “…In that day,” declares the Lord, you will call me “my husband”; you will no longer call me, “my master...” (Hosea 02:14-20). The Bride of Christ has to be doctrinally pure about beliefs. Revelation also talks about the Marriage Supper.
Fourth Metaphor of the Church: Church as a City
“And He carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” Revelations 21:10 – In the New Millennium.
Fifth Metaphor of the Church:
Church as a flock. Jesus is the Shepherd of the flock. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11), “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me…” (John 10:14), “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.” (John 10:16), “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4).
Sixth Metaphor of the Church:
Church as a New Man. “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 02:15). Colossians 03:09-11 – New Man in Christ. “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of the Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ in all, and is in all.” There is no social colour distinction in the Church.
Seventh Metaphor of the Church:
Church is visible and invisible. As a fellowship of all the true believers we cannot look into the hearts of each one of us. It is therefore invisible for God knows the hearts of His people. But it is visible for the Church exists on Earth.
Eighth Metaphor of the Church:
Church is Local and Universal. “Greet also the Church that meets at their house…”Romans 16:05 as a local church meeting in the form of house groups/home cells. “In the first place, I hear then when you come together as church…” (1 Corinthians 11:18) – Assembly of believers.
“To the church of God in Corinth…” 1 Corinthians 01:02 – Church as a city.
“The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings.” (1 Corinthians 16:19) & “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit; it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” Acts 09:31 – Church as a region. Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it.
II. Church Ministry
The present day Church has differences based on doctrines & emphasis. These come from all parts of the Church. Galatians 06:01-05. I.e., correcting a fault inside the heart like a surgeon repairing a faulty artery. It requires a lot of skill and experience within Church ministry.
Church Ministry should never be in the hands of a single person. One person cannot be expected to have the monopoly of gifts inside the Church. People inside the Church should be encouraged to use their gifts and ministry. Everybody in the Church has a particular gift and ministry. All functions are not for the pastors only.
The gifting in the Church is to glorify God and for the encouragement of the Church. “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:07). There are Super-Natural and ordinary gift e.g. amazing gifts for hospitality, administration etc operating within the Church Ministry.
Foundational Gifts within the Church body (APEPT: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) result in a visionary, God directed, witnessing, caring and a learning community. Vision reveals the practical things that a Church Community can do. It develops over a period of time. Whereas with their Mission Statement they can discover the Will of God. Mission is the DNA of a Church.
There is a difference between talents and gift inside the Church. Playing the piano is a talent and worshipping the Lord is a gift.
Church of personality: I am from Paul and I am from Apollos. These create divisiveness in churches, because of difference in teaching standards.
Structure of service should have a clear pattern of teaching with an atmosphere of development, culture and growth.
There is enormous jealousy inside the Church. “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.”(1 Corinthians 14:26). Everyone has a different Ministry. The Leadership inside the Church should strengthen each part to function for the benefit of the whole.
We are the Living Temples of God. We are His building. Now that Jesus has fulfilled the law there is no need for any tabernacle. Mostly people like to remain secured inside the Church Building. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 03:16)
Church is based on the crucial fundamentals of the resurrection of Christ; the virgin birth of Christ. These have become the foundations of the Church. “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 02:06 and in the OT, Isaiah 28:16). We are the living stones and have to be placed properly inside the Church Building. We are like Ushers, bridge-builders in Latin; we have the access to God. Our sacrifice is to worship in spirit and truth. We are privileged people.
Church is the image and the representation of the Kingdom of God.
God has made covenant with His people. “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:05)
Church is still in the process of building.
The purpose of the Church is to
a). Minister to God in Worship.
b). Minister to the believers within the Body of Christ for their nurture and up-bringing. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 01:28)
c). Minister to the World for evangelism in love, peace and grace.
The purpose of the Church is therefore to Worship God and drawing people to the Kingdom of the God.
III. Shortcomings of the present day Church:
The enemy wants to destroy what Jesus builds. The major foothold of the enemy is with pride and arrogance; which has a high tendency in destroying churches.
The Gospel has been secularised. The main doctrines of the Christian faith have been eroded e.g. Virgin birth of Jesus, resurrection, Second Coming. Sin, guilt and lack of repentance manipulate people.
The rise in existentialism: “What I feel is alright” – ok. “Do it if it feels good”. The world has turned into a self-expression and self-orientation society.
The loss of the absolute from Christianity: Jesus said in John 14:06 – “I am the absolute. All who come to the Father, come through me.” John 06:48. “I am the Bread of Life.” These statements are absolute and there is no room for manoeuvre. The present day Church has lost the edge of the early church i.e. no other belief but only in Jesus. Christians have forgotten the fact that Jesus is the only way. In England it is legally offensive to share about Jesus with anyone.
The real things – ‘whatever is real for you may not be real for me’. This false way of thinking not only stops evangelism but also hinders the truth. There is an objective historical and verifiable truth that Jesus was crucified for all mankind. Historically the lives of many have been changed because Jesus used His people to bring in change. The outcome is that people say that it may be ok for you, I am all right. People are proselytising – ‘we are telling people about our belief’. In England we cannot start a conversation about our belief in Jesus. A lot of Christians have become closet Christians for they have locked themselves in the boundaries of the Church and are not eager to go out and share the good news with the lost ones.
Tobingen School of Theology was introduced in schools and institutions. According to this theology Bible cannot be relied on Jesus for He died on the cross. They consider Jesus to be a historical figure.
The church of today is like a One Man Church. This means that one man is responsible for the entire Church. The whole church is weakened if only a single man is in control. Democratic government is not appreciated in the Church because Jesus is the decision-maker. Church members cannot make their own decisions. Jesus should be the Leader and the Lord of all.
If a Church Leader does not have a character like Jesus, he can become dangerous for the entire church. He should move according to his calling and gifting, otherwise the enemy can creep in and can cause confusion in the body. We are saved to serve Him and we must realise that Jesus raises a person to a position to serve Him. Anything that Jesus does for anyone is His work. Leaders are accountable to Jesus and must remain close to Him. We should fix our eyes on Jesus for He is the only one worth looking into.
Leaders in the Church must encourage and strengthen one another also. They are the ones who lay good foundations in people’s life. They should be open and honest and must not hide things from one another. This brings unity and strength in the Church. Leaders ‘watch’ one another and make sure that none of them goes off the tangent. This creates a safe and secure place for leadership where they discuss freely with fellow leaders. Leaders sometimes ignore the prophetic word for them and criticise it. It is the Holy Spirit that puts checks to areas where people prophesy. They should love people with the Love of Jesus.
Pastors and Leaders are like shepherds of their flock and must not hide behind “God has told me”, to manipulate the people of God.
Pastors/Leaders should keep the following precautions:
Inferiority complex about themselves. Being humans if we use this as an excuse it is wrong, because Jesus has work for all of us in our lives. If we follow our will the enemy destroys all that we want to do for Jesus. Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“I” and “Me” factors are also not good for a leader. Jesus has made them from the dust of the Earth and therefore Jesus must increase in lives and we must decrease.
People who are being currently used by God should not intimidate a Leader.
A prophet cannot threat the Leader because that puts the leader in a difficult position. Since prophets are humans at the same time they are likely to get wrong. Manipulation and domination are very common in the Church of today. Enemy wants to take away the peace but Jesus gives peace.
The problematic people are dumped to the Pastoral teams in the Church. This is a problem for the Pastoral People. Grouping should be discouraged in the Church because it stops the gifting of God in other people. It is the case with prophetic groups. All Church Leaders should be there to encourage one another. Encouragement is like flowers. They need to help, correct, and be accountable and open to one another. The voice of God needs a clear vessel and a clear voice of His man. Leaders should have a burden for God’s people at the same time. The Word of God is for the encouragement of leaders as well and helps them to move ahead. It strengthens them and is therefore beneficial for the entire Body of Christ.
The Church Activity will become stagnant if there is no forward movement and change in the Leadership. But Jesus gives freshness and therefore new and emerging leadership are necessary in the church. Leaders need to change their character, attitude and behaviour. New Leaders should be with held if there is no positive change in their character. We have to be cautious in getting elite because we are made from the dust of the earth. Best always comes from Jesus. Leadership should avoid the Unreal Super-Spirituality of people who consider themselves better than others.
IV. Church Government:
Jesus is the best employer in the Church. He knows our talents and gifting. All the honour and Glory is for Jesus. Recognising ourselves is not His way. We must look into Jesus for He is the Author of our faith. We must value and honour Leadership because it is in the hands of Jesus.
a). Pastoral Ministry
A Pastor is a Shepherd for the flock. They are exemplary figures to the flock. We have to be in agreement with them. According to Romans 06:17 pastors should be obedient to God. They should not lead apart from truth and experience. “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be laves to sin, you whole heartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”
They are the ones to maintain the Church. They help people to receive holiness and intimacy with God. They arrange teaching sessions and house groups with the Apostles and Evangelists so as to refresh the flock.
They deal with people on one to one basis.
They look after the spiritual needs of people and motivate them.
They exercise degree of Government within the Church. Teaching Ministry fits with it.
An Elder has the gifts of helps, administration, management (subject to the Holy Spirit). They provide good places for house groups and hospitality. Whereas the role of a pastor is the sanctification, healing, completeness and wholeness (Sozo) of the Body of Christ They help people to overcome their past hurts; physically and emotionally abused. They help the people to get integrated and living in the truth about themselves.
The focus of Pastoral Ministry is on the Word of God. It is in the loveliest of sense like a vine. “But what does it say? The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart…” (Romans 10:08). The Word of God enables faith to lead us. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 03:05) – rely/trust on the Word of God rather than your own understanding. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” (John 14:01). Trust on him so that fear may not creep in our lives. “How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 05:44) – do not expect praise from others but from God. All the Glory is for Jesus for without Him we are nothing.
Prayer life is essential. It is like a powerhouse for them because they have the burdens of all their members. Pastors can get compassion fatigue. This means that they get worn out and need some time off. This is the downside of Pastoral Ministry.
Fasting is important to hear God and act accordingly.
Pastors need right standing with Jesus ruled by the Holy Spirit. The wilful sin must leave from the life of a Pastor because he helps prepare the Bride of Christ. Therefore sin must not reside within him. He should come under and speak out the Lordship of Jesus.
He should not get attracted to fanciful or beautiful words. He needs to have a Spirit of gratitude and repentance.
Collusion: There is a compromise even if the Pastor knows that his member is asking for an undue benefit. The Pastors must learn to work on the principles to say NO. People manipulate and expect things from Pastors. They need to get people out of manipulation. Evangelists catch the fish whereas Pastors clean them. Inherent with collusion is deception. It is a bad compromise like Eve.
b). Elders:
(Historical Background)
The term elder in the New Testament means one who is elderly in age.
ZAQEN (Hebrew)
PRESBYTEROS (Greek) means Leadership.
In the Old Testament they were men of wisdom and experience chosen carefully by their economy. “So Joseph went up to bury his father. All Pharaoh’s officials accompanied him – the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt.” (Genesis 50:07), “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders and they will explain to you.” (Deuteronomy 32:07). Elders served locally “He caught a young man of Succoth and questioned him, and the young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy seven officials of Succoth, the elders of the town.” (Judges 08:14) or in a city. They also served regionally. “The elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob.”(Judges 11:05) and in a Nation as well. Their tasks were of judging and discipline the people. The nest day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood round him from morning till evening. When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for these people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”(Exodus 18:13-14). Elders had an important position in the Old Testament among the people. They were men with wisdom and power. “The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and official among the people. Make them come to the tent of the meeting that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is in you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.”(Numbers 11:16-17).
They read the Law. In Deuteronomy Moses read the Law so as to make it functional. People practised it and remained faithful to it. “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.”(Exodus 18:20).
They were men who were known and had a positive character with God. They were chosen by God and recognised by the people.
They were anointed for the task. The same pre-steps are carried in the New Testament. This framework of eldership is carried in the New Testament.
Functions of an Elder:
(Calibre and teaching)
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”(Acts 14:23). The New Testament pattern for the Church is Eldership. It is a plural term, not singular. “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” (Titus 01:05), “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work may be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage for you.” (Hebrews 13:17). It is an important and a responsible position.
Elder is involved in Shepherding. POIMAINOO in Greek means shepherding. 1 Peter 05:02 and 04. Elders are to tend the flock as a shepherd. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers…” Ephesians 04:11 says pastors/ shepherds. A Pastor has an occupation of souls i.e. to tend the flock – Bishop the flock.
He is also engaged in watching the flock. Greek word for that is AGRUPNEOO – He is the one who watches, as in Hebrews 13:17, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers…” (Acts 20:28). He watches for problems and difficulties. He watches and cares for his sheep that may not get vulnerable.
An elder is a Leader. Greek word for a leader is PROITEEMI. It means literally to stand before as an example for he has devoted his life completely to Christ. “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.”(1 Thessalonians 05:12), “The elders who direct the affairs of the Church well, are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”(1 Timothy 05:17).
An Elder is a Governing Person. Greek word for that is HEEGEOMAI. He is a presiding and ruling individual among the flock. It is not heavy-laden rules but he rules by showing examples and in a loving and a caring way.
Elder is engaged in Steering. Greek word for that is KUBERNESTEES. “But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.”(Acts 27:11). He is a guide to stop people making shipwreck of their lives. He is the one to guide and lead the flock.
Elder is engaged in labouring. Greek word for that is KOPIAOO. It means to toil “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.” (1 Thessalonians 05:12). The more people you have the more problems the elders have to face inside the Church. So the Elders are like a labouring force inside the Church.
Elder is also engaged in Stewarding. Greek word for that is OKONOMAS i.e. discharging as a steward. “Since an overseer is entrusted with God’ work, he must be blameless – not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuit dishonest gain.”(Titus 01:07), “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.” (1 Corinthians 04:01) - to fulfil and function among the people of God.
Capabilities / Qualifications of an Elder:
1 Timothy 03:01-07
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap."
He needs a natural ability to become an Elder that does not have to do anything with his Social Status.
He should have a desire in the heart to become an Elder.
He should be a man of faith.
He should not be a New Convert but someone with experience. “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgement as the devil.” (1 Timothy 03:06).
He should be a husband of one wife.
He should be a man with good reputation outside the church. He should have a good standing with people, man of an upright character. He should be a respectable man.
His family life must be in order. If he cannot take care of his family he will find it difficult to take care of the church as well.
He should be able to teach and instruct the people.
c). Deacons:
They have an important function in the Church. The word Deacon is derived from DIAKONES (Greek) which means Servant. “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons…” (Philippians 01:01).
“Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscious.
They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
In the same way their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
A Deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.”(Timothy 03:08-13).
Deacons are ones who have administrative framework of responsibilities. They are men responsible for the finances, money matters and administration within the church. Acts.06: 01-06 relates to Diakones i.e. to serve. They are subject to the elders of the church.
V. Church Growth Strategy:
A Leader should be success oriented. God does not call for failures. “I tell you the truth, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24. The fruit that we bring in life should be of good quantity and good quality. In a period of 3 years Jesus made approximately 650 disciples and 12 leaders; with their back-ups. These are good quantity results.
As far as quality is concerned, in 30 years 650 people turned into 100,000. All this was only possible because of proper implementation of strategies. The quality of discipleship was such that John said that their loyalties would remain till the end. Our prayers and strategies should focus on success.
Strategies should be goal oriented. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 01:08.
Strategies should be people oriented. We should have a clear idea about the segment of people we are supposed to work with.
Strategies should be result oriented at an increasing trend. There should be persistence in our lives. These are for better results. Because God cannot work to be a failure. “Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.” Acts 17:04.
Prayer always produces results. It is the key to everything. It is the best strategy to receive fruits in life. Prayer is imperative for changes and results. Both external and internal results are achieved through prayer. People are changed with visible (external) or invisible (internal) results. We must also look at our failures.
VI. Great Commission:
Strategies for Planning must be based on the Great Commission. Wrong understanding of the Great Commission will produce wrong leadership. This can result in failures. It is a command and not a point of discussion. Jesus revealed the Kingdom of God to His disciples and commissioned them to share the Kingdom with the rest of the world and make new disciples. Jesus discipled them for the same purpose. Jesus chose His disciples who were charismatic figures. They were teachable and correctable. Love for the lost is the key element of the Great Commission. Emphasis is not only on “Go”, but also on learning and preparation. The Great Commission is mentioned in five different books of the Bible.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mathew 28:18-20. This is the best version of the Great Commission. 4 verbs are used in this passage. Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. Out of these, 3 are helping and make disciples is the commanding verb.
He said to them, “Go into the entire world and preach the good news to all the creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:15-18. In this passage in order to make disciples, stress has been given on preaching.
“…and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” Luke 24:47-48. In this passage in order to make disciples, stress has been laid upon giving testimonies.
“And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:21-23. In this passage, in order to make disciples, stress has been laid upon forgiveness. We must learn to forgive people and also pray for forgiveness of their sins.
Great Commission gives geographical locations and explains the regions where men of God will reach to make disciples.
VII. Discipleship:
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own self also...And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me...So, likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-27,33)
If the closest relationship of a disciple's life conflict with the claims of Jesus Christ, then our Lord requires instant obedience to Himself. Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person - our Lord Jesus Christ. To be a disciple is to be a devoted bondservant motivated by love for the Lord Jesus Christ. (My Utmost for His highest by Oswald Chambers)
The word disciple is used in the New Testament around 260 times and has been derived from the Greek word ‘Mathetes’. The two levels of discipleship are repentance and excelling in teaching.
Jesus lived with His disciples. It allowed explanation about the revelation.
He imparted within them all that God had given to Jesus.
He demonstrated His authority and the Kingdom among His disciples.
He gave them continuous supervision. He reviewed and applied the lessons in just 3 years.
He reproduced in them, what God had given Him. He transferred His spiritual DNA in their lives.
Making disciples and establishing proper teaching in their lives helps in their growth and development a future Leaders. Jesus is completely committed to our complete transformation. He wants us to develop professional standards in our lives, for example Joseph in the Old Testament was brought to a place of great authority.
Discipleship is about commitment. “…and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Mathew 10:38.
We sharpen one another as we converse. Iron sharpens iron.
Failure and correction should never stop our walk with Jesus. We should be focused on our direction and destination.
Doors of opportunities are never closed although we make mistakes. God does not close doors for us.
Being His disciples we should not live a crisis filled life rather we should know God in our personal life.
When we are operating in faith, speech and words are important. There is power in expressing the prophetic word that we receive from the Lord. We need to be open in our relationships, so that Satan does not creep in.
Fellowship is important. We need to be with the men of God.
VII.i. How to check discipleship:
This should be the goal of all the ministries. There should be true fruit in our lives. With high quality fruit we are sure that its taste will not change.
We should have strong commitment with Jesus. He is in invisible realm. Church is the visible part of Christ. So discipleship can be checked from our commitment with the Church. We must learn to become responsible church members.
VIII. Church Theology:
According to Church Theology, emphasis should be laid on bringing new people into Church. The number of Church members should be increased.
IX. Harvest theology:
According to the Harvest Theology emphasis should be laid on reaping where the soil is in preparatory stage. Harvest in a land that will yield fruit of fine quantity. Harvest is an important phenomenon for a farmer. Timing is important because without it the crop can result is wastage.
In 1970, the world’s largest revival was in Indonesia which lasted for ten years. There were miracles and people walked on water and were healed, they were freed from demons. Timing is crucial in harvest. Secondly hard work, dedication and determination are also very important. According to the Harvest Theology there should be more labor force in a land where harvest is prepared.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” 1 Corinthians 03:06
“…You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of times.” Mathew 16:03
Jesus moves according to times and seasons, either the season of harvest or sowing. He moves according to the quality of soil. The strategy for evangelism is to understand the importance of time and season and move ahead according to the Guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is the best strategy for Church Growth and Plantation.
We also need to test the soil and evaluate which soil is ready to be harvested. There are three principles to test the receptive soil.
Where churches are already growing:
Soil represents a given Geographical land e.g. Slough, Nottingham etc. We have to evaluate the areas where growing, emerging and dynamic churches are situated. The spiritual density and receptivity of people towards the Word of God is high in these areas. This is the right area to give maximum efforts and preach the Word of God for the soil is already ripened. The presence of pastors and churches in an added factor that contributes to harvest. In Economics this means perfect competition. In business this is the stage of maturity. In marketing this is segmentation.
Where people are changing:
In this case, soil (people) is rich for harvest where there are changes occurring in the selected region. These can be the socio-economic changes, political or natural disasters e.g. floods and earthquakes. A region with such changes is also suitable for harvest because with these changes people cannot foresee their future and they are in confusion. Places where such changes appear, people are willing to receive more. When people are tender it is easy to harvest them. These are signs of harvest. Formulate a strategy to work among these people and positive results will appear
Church’s Growth maximum rate is in Argentina (Latin America). In 1982 Argentina decided to invade Falkland, a near-by island. But it lost the battle against England. Thus the national pride of the people was hurt although for the world this chapter had been closed. These people became more receptive towards the Word of God, since The Gospel has the potential to fill the vacuums
Among Masses:
Classes and Masses are the two distinguished classes in the society. Classes are further classified into uppers, middles and lowers. Whereas the masses are the common people living on daily wages. These people are more receptive towards Gospel, since they live a confused life. It is easier to reach them. Classes are slightly difficult people to reach. Reaching a businessman or a professional doctor is slightly difficult. Therefore results in masses are quite high. This is a principle for every nation. The standard of holiness should be maintained in life, so that we do not loose our fruit.
X. Impartation of Leader’s Vision among people:
God wants us to understand our personal vision for our future. He gives us road marks to move ahead. He gives us his personal relationship and attention for our development.
We should challenge people to find their own destination and position in the Ministry.
Goals and objectives should be defined and accomplished. The vision and mission statement should not be changed, once defined. One should be careful to reveal facts about his vision, while addressing publicly. Since people do not have similar faith standards, they fail to understand.
We should impart the deep spiritual standards amongst the Ministry members. Satan (enemy) cannot enter our spirits for it is deep. Therefore visions must go deep down so as to be implemented and imparted amongst others.
Obedience is another factor to impart our vision amongst others. Sometimes other factors such as financial or physical needs hinder us, but we must move in faith. Therefore fellow ministry members should be well aware of our standings.
Sometimes when other factors do not remain constant, ministries seem to come to an end. This is the right time when a leader should motivate his fellow members. Vision is not meant to be ceased or destroyed; rather it is originated to be implemented. Thus a leader should possess the quality to impart his vision among people.
XI. Mission:
Mission is that task which the Lord wants us to do. Mission comprises of Commission and Transmission. Commission means the “Great Commission” and Transmission means to work amongst people of different cultures or religions, with varying backgrounds. Thus we are given a mission through commission and that is to transmission. In simpler words it means to evangelize among different people. The prerequisite for accomplishing our mission is to reach the level of maturity.
Mission Vision Anointing Gifting Calling
Do not start any work that has to be left ultimately. Rather continue with the work that God has begun in life. One should master in a single identity e.g. pastoral work, teaching or worship. When trust of people is lost in our lives, we loose the anointing of the Holy Spirit. A Leader should not make promises that cannot be fulfilled with God and also with people in the Ministry. Everyone is given a different Mission and Commission. Every anointing and calling is unique. Become original rather than carbon copies of other ministries.
i. Mission Statement:
a) Define the mission. This means to define your calling. What is it that has to be done in a wider spectrum and in clear words?
b) Describe the people. Indicate the segment of people you want to work with, believers or non-believers. The Kingdom of God is the Mission of God. “Thy Kingdom Come” in Lord’s Prayer. We cannot bring everyone into the Kingdom for the Lord has specified certain group of people to bring into His Kingdom. Our prayers and Mission should be made as one and should move together in a similar direction. People and Mission should be part of our prayers.
c) Describe the force for evangelism. God has made us all evangelists. Describe the force to evangelize and accomplish your mission. It can be written material (literature), broachers, media, etc. the spiritual force to be used must also be described.
d) Means and Methods. This includes the physical means and resources, e.g. finances or buildings.
e) Define the approach, e.g. as a group, single, dual. This defines the approach to evangelize with fellow members in the ministry.
f) Anticipate outcomes. Analyze the results of ministry in future. Define your future expectations and outcomes. How many people will be saved during evangelism?
g) Decide your role. Divide the work amongst the ministry members according to division of labor. Analyze your own role in the ministry and assign yourself a single designation.
h) Make plans. How many meetings in how many months? Split your plans on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.
i) Act accordingly. This implies to live a life of discipline and acting on assigned principles, goals and targets.
j) Evaluate. The results should be evaluated as good, average, bad. Which strategy to follow next? Have a clear understanding of your movements. Without proper planning actions result to zero. We start our missions from the 9th point, ignoring the previous eight. “All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Mathew 12:32.
ii. Two Mandates of Mission:
On moving ahead with the work of God we face resistance and rejection from the world. Every soul we win is lost by the enemy. “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 04:03. The blindness and darkness within people needs to be demolished by the light of Jesus. Bind these forces of darkness and receive the fruit. Since enemy has illegal control over us, he is forced to leave. For the extension of the Kingdom of God, the message of Gospel should be planted in their lives, instead. Depression, sickness, sins and darkness is has no rule in our lives. “As you go, preach this message: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Mathew 10:07-08. This worse depicts the Great Commission in action. Heal the sick and preach the Kingdom of God. It is the manifestation of the Kingdom of God that those who are sick shall be healed. The Kingdom shall cure incurable diseases. Healing the sick is part of our commission. The Kingdom casts out oppressive, possessive and dominant spirits. Thus Kingdom has remedy for areas of our lives.
Cultural side and Evangelistic side are the two mandates of Ministry. Evangelism side includes the Spiritual aspects and cultural side includes the Social side of our life. These two should maintain a balance. Social aspect comes from Genesis 01:28. God had given authority and respect to Adam & Eve. The social and spiritual responsibilities move together. Without responsibilities, authorities don’t operate. Therefore we have a cultural and a spiritual mandate. The second Great Commandment from the Bible is to love your neighbor the way you love yourself. The entire humanity is our neighborhood. Love always shares, helps and forgives. It encourages us and motivates us.
In Genesis 03:09, God met Adam & Eve daily. But one fine day He did not find them and therefore called for them. This is Evangelistic Mandate that God is still waiting for man to come nearer to Him. We have to restore this relationship, which Adam broke.
Both these mandates are important, but priority is given to the Spiritual Mandate. Social mandate is also a part of our Great Commission. (Genesis 02:17). Man died spiritually, socially and physically when sin entered. It brought curse on earth, which originated material problems. When Adam was driven out, he faced poverty, suffering, pain and had to work hard for his living. He faced death and decay. In Revelations 22:02 & 21:04, sin brought social and material curses and therefore abundant life was taken away from him. Luke 04:18. Priority is given to the poor for preaching the Gospel so that they might come out of poverty. This is God’s remedy for social and financial curse. He takes us out of the bondage of poverty. He wants us out of physical curses i.e. sickness. He gives us internal and external healing. Furthermore He heals our soul and spirit because of His amazing love for us.
Definition of the Church
I. Eight Metaphors of the Church
First Metaphor of the Church-Building
Second Metaphor of the Church- Body
Third Metaphor of the Church- Bride
Fourth Metaphor of the Church-City
Fifth Metaphor of the Church- Flock
Sixth Metaphor of the Church- New Man
Seventh Metaphor of the Church- Visible & Invisible
Eighth Metaphor of the Church- Local and Universal
II. Church Ministry
III. Shortcomings of the present day Church
IV. Church Government
a) Pastoral Ministry
b) Elders (Historical Background)
Functions of an Elder (Calibre and teaching)
Capabilities / Qualifications of an Elder
c) Deacons
V. Church Growth Strategy
VI. Great Commission
VII. Discipleship
How to check discipleship
VIII. Church Theology:
IX. Harvest theology:
X. Impartation of Leader’s Vision among people:
XI. Mission:
Mission Statement
Two Mandates of Mission
Definition of the Church: “The Community of God of all the true believers for all times.”
Jesus Christ loved the Church and substituted himself for it on the cross.
“And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 01:22)
‘Ekklesia’ is the word used for the Church in the New Testament. ‘Ek’ means ‘Out of’; Klesia means, ‘Calling” - “called out people.”
I. Eight Metaphors of the Church:
First Metaphor of the Church:
“…and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not over come it.”(Mathew 16:18) – ‘I will build the Church.’ The Church is referred to as a Building. In the Old Testament God called people to himself – Deuteronomy 04:16 ‘gather the people.’ In the New Testament it is referred as a congregation. “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.” (Hebrews 02:12). “He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to Him on Mount Sinai….” (Acts 07:38). Church is a Spiritual Building as the people of God gather together where God dwells in the midst of His people. We therefore create a dwelling place in the midst of the Lord. “…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 02:05). Peter says that we are the Living Stones. Jesus has gathered all His stones (people) together to build His temple. He builds like an architect. Jesus is the Chief cornerstone of the Church Building. “For He chose us in Him before the creation of this world to be holy and blameless in His sight.”(Ephesians 01:04). “…who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.” (2 Timothy 01:09). Jesus is the builder and God is the architect of the Church.
Second Metaphor of the Church:
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:04). Paul uses the metaphor of the Body. It represents different parts of the body functioning together. “Now the body is not made up of one, but of many…” (1 Corinthians 12:14-31). In 1 Corinthians, chapter 12 the Church represents the whole body. In Ephesians 04:15-16 Christ is the head of the Body. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him, who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself in love, as each part does its work.” & in Ephesians 1:22, “And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” The Will of God the Father for the Church is to grow into the fullness of Jesus. All of us are inter-related as a part of the Body. We grow up into the likeness of Jesus Christ. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Third Metaphor of the Church:
In Ephesians 05:22-33, Paul talks about marriage. The term Bride of Christ is not clearly found in the Bible but relates to woman as a companion. Church is the Bride of Christ. “Wives, submit to your husbands as the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church, His body, of which He is the saviour. Now as the Church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything...” & “…In that day,” declares the Lord, you will call me “my husband”; you will no longer call me, “my master...” (Hosea 02:14-20). The Bride of Christ has to be doctrinally pure about beliefs. Revelation also talks about the Marriage Supper.
Fourth Metaphor of the Church: Church as a City
“And He carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” Revelations 21:10 – In the New Millennium.
Fifth Metaphor of the Church:
Church as a flock. Jesus is the Shepherd of the flock. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11), “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me…” (John 10:14), “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.” (John 10:16), “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4).
Sixth Metaphor of the Church:
Church as a New Man. “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 02:15). Colossians 03:09-11 – New Man in Christ. “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of the Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ in all, and is in all.” There is no social colour distinction in the Church.
Seventh Metaphor of the Church:
Church is visible and invisible. As a fellowship of all the true believers we cannot look into the hearts of each one of us. It is therefore invisible for God knows the hearts of His people. But it is visible for the Church exists on Earth.
Eighth Metaphor of the Church:
Church is Local and Universal. “Greet also the Church that meets at their house…”Romans 16:05 as a local church meeting in the form of house groups/home cells. “In the first place, I hear then when you come together as church…” (1 Corinthians 11:18) – Assembly of believers.
“To the church of God in Corinth…” 1 Corinthians 01:02 – Church as a city.
“The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings.” (1 Corinthians 16:19) & “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit; it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” Acts 09:31 – Church as a region. Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it.
II. Church Ministry
The present day Church has differences based on doctrines & emphasis. These come from all parts of the Church. Galatians 06:01-05. I.e., correcting a fault inside the heart like a surgeon repairing a faulty artery. It requires a lot of skill and experience within Church ministry.
Church Ministry should never be in the hands of a single person. One person cannot be expected to have the monopoly of gifts inside the Church. People inside the Church should be encouraged to use their gifts and ministry. Everybody in the Church has a particular gift and ministry. All functions are not for the pastors only.
The gifting in the Church is to glorify God and for the encouragement of the Church. “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:07). There are Super-Natural and ordinary gift e.g. amazing gifts for hospitality, administration etc operating within the Church Ministry.
Foundational Gifts within the Church body (APEPT: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) result in a visionary, God directed, witnessing, caring and a learning community. Vision reveals the practical things that a Church Community can do. It develops over a period of time. Whereas with their Mission Statement they can discover the Will of God. Mission is the DNA of a Church.
There is a difference between talents and gift inside the Church. Playing the piano is a talent and worshipping the Lord is a gift.
Church of personality: I am from Paul and I am from Apollos. These create divisiveness in churches, because of difference in teaching standards.
Structure of service should have a clear pattern of teaching with an atmosphere of development, culture and growth.
There is enormous jealousy inside the Church. “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.”(1 Corinthians 14:26). Everyone has a different Ministry. The Leadership inside the Church should strengthen each part to function for the benefit of the whole.
We are the Living Temples of God. We are His building. Now that Jesus has fulfilled the law there is no need for any tabernacle. Mostly people like to remain secured inside the Church Building. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 03:16)
Church is based on the crucial fundamentals of the resurrection of Christ; the virgin birth of Christ. These have become the foundations of the Church. “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 02:06 and in the OT, Isaiah 28:16). We are the living stones and have to be placed properly inside the Church Building. We are like Ushers, bridge-builders in Latin; we have the access to God. Our sacrifice is to worship in spirit and truth. We are privileged people.
Church is the image and the representation of the Kingdom of God.
God has made covenant with His people. “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:05)
Church is still in the process of building.
The purpose of the Church is to
a). Minister to God in Worship.
b). Minister to the believers within the Body of Christ for their nurture and up-bringing. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 01:28)
c). Minister to the World for evangelism in love, peace and grace.
The purpose of the Church is therefore to Worship God and drawing people to the Kingdom of the God.
III. Shortcomings of the present day Church:
The enemy wants to destroy what Jesus builds. The major foothold of the enemy is with pride and arrogance; which has a high tendency in destroying churches.
The Gospel has been secularised. The main doctrines of the Christian faith have been eroded e.g. Virgin birth of Jesus, resurrection, Second Coming. Sin, guilt and lack of repentance manipulate people.
The rise in existentialism: “What I feel is alright” – ok. “Do it if it feels good”. The world has turned into a self-expression and self-orientation society.
The loss of the absolute from Christianity: Jesus said in John 14:06 – “I am the absolute. All who come to the Father, come through me.” John 06:48. “I am the Bread of Life.” These statements are absolute and there is no room for manoeuvre. The present day Church has lost the edge of the early church i.e. no other belief but only in Jesus. Christians have forgotten the fact that Jesus is the only way. In England it is legally offensive to share about Jesus with anyone.
The real things – ‘whatever is real for you may not be real for me’. This false way of thinking not only stops evangelism but also hinders the truth. There is an objective historical and verifiable truth that Jesus was crucified for all mankind. Historically the lives of many have been changed because Jesus used His people to bring in change. The outcome is that people say that it may be ok for you, I am all right. People are proselytising – ‘we are telling people about our belief’. In England we cannot start a conversation about our belief in Jesus. A lot of Christians have become closet Christians for they have locked themselves in the boundaries of the Church and are not eager to go out and share the good news with the lost ones.
Tobingen School of Theology was introduced in schools and institutions. According to this theology Bible cannot be relied on Jesus for He died on the cross. They consider Jesus to be a historical figure.
The church of today is like a One Man Church. This means that one man is responsible for the entire Church. The whole church is weakened if only a single man is in control. Democratic government is not appreciated in the Church because Jesus is the decision-maker. Church members cannot make their own decisions. Jesus should be the Leader and the Lord of all.
If a Church Leader does not have a character like Jesus, he can become dangerous for the entire church. He should move according to his calling and gifting, otherwise the enemy can creep in and can cause confusion in the body. We are saved to serve Him and we must realise that Jesus raises a person to a position to serve Him. Anything that Jesus does for anyone is His work. Leaders are accountable to Jesus and must remain close to Him. We should fix our eyes on Jesus for He is the only one worth looking into.
Leaders in the Church must encourage and strengthen one another also. They are the ones who lay good foundations in people’s life. They should be open and honest and must not hide things from one another. This brings unity and strength in the Church. Leaders ‘watch’ one another and make sure that none of them goes off the tangent. This creates a safe and secure place for leadership where they discuss freely with fellow leaders. Leaders sometimes ignore the prophetic word for them and criticise it. It is the Holy Spirit that puts checks to areas where people prophesy. They should love people with the Love of Jesus.
Pastors and Leaders are like shepherds of their flock and must not hide behind “God has told me”, to manipulate the people of God.
Pastors/Leaders should keep the following precautions:
Inferiority complex about themselves. Being humans if we use this as an excuse it is wrong, because Jesus has work for all of us in our lives. If we follow our will the enemy destroys all that we want to do for Jesus. Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“I” and “Me” factors are also not good for a leader. Jesus has made them from the dust of the Earth and therefore Jesus must increase in lives and we must decrease.
People who are being currently used by God should not intimidate a Leader.
A prophet cannot threat the Leader because that puts the leader in a difficult position. Since prophets are humans at the same time they are likely to get wrong. Manipulation and domination are very common in the Church of today. Enemy wants to take away the peace but Jesus gives peace.
The problematic people are dumped to the Pastoral teams in the Church. This is a problem for the Pastoral People. Grouping should be discouraged in the Church because it stops the gifting of God in other people. It is the case with prophetic groups. All Church Leaders should be there to encourage one another. Encouragement is like flowers. They need to help, correct, and be accountable and open to one another. The voice of God needs a clear vessel and a clear voice of His man. Leaders should have a burden for God’s people at the same time. The Word of God is for the encouragement of leaders as well and helps them to move ahead. It strengthens them and is therefore beneficial for the entire Body of Christ.
The Church Activity will become stagnant if there is no forward movement and change in the Leadership. But Jesus gives freshness and therefore new and emerging leadership are necessary in the church. Leaders need to change their character, attitude and behaviour. New Leaders should be with held if there is no positive change in their character. We have to be cautious in getting elite because we are made from the dust of the earth. Best always comes from Jesus. Leadership should avoid the Unreal Super-Spirituality of people who consider themselves better than others.
IV. Church Government:
Jesus is the best employer in the Church. He knows our talents and gifting. All the honour and Glory is for Jesus. Recognising ourselves is not His way. We must look into Jesus for He is the Author of our faith. We must value and honour Leadership because it is in the hands of Jesus.
a). Pastoral Ministry
A Pastor is a Shepherd for the flock. They are exemplary figures to the flock. We have to be in agreement with them. According to Romans 06:17 pastors should be obedient to God. They should not lead apart from truth and experience. “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be laves to sin, you whole heartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”
They are the ones to maintain the Church. They help people to receive holiness and intimacy with God. They arrange teaching sessions and house groups with the Apostles and Evangelists so as to refresh the flock.
They deal with people on one to one basis.
They look after the spiritual needs of people and motivate them.
They exercise degree of Government within the Church. Teaching Ministry fits with it.
An Elder has the gifts of helps, administration, management (subject to the Holy Spirit). They provide good places for house groups and hospitality. Whereas the role of a pastor is the sanctification, healing, completeness and wholeness (Sozo) of the Body of Christ They help people to overcome their past hurts; physically and emotionally abused. They help the people to get integrated and living in the truth about themselves.
The focus of Pastoral Ministry is on the Word of God. It is in the loveliest of sense like a vine. “But what does it say? The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart…” (Romans 10:08). The Word of God enables faith to lead us. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 03:05) – rely/trust on the Word of God rather than your own understanding. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” (John 14:01). Trust on him so that fear may not creep in our lives. “How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 05:44) – do not expect praise from others but from God. All the Glory is for Jesus for without Him we are nothing.
Prayer life is essential. It is like a powerhouse for them because they have the burdens of all their members. Pastors can get compassion fatigue. This means that they get worn out and need some time off. This is the downside of Pastoral Ministry.
Fasting is important to hear God and act accordingly.
Pastors need right standing with Jesus ruled by the Holy Spirit. The wilful sin must leave from the life of a Pastor because he helps prepare the Bride of Christ. Therefore sin must not reside within him. He should come under and speak out the Lordship of Jesus.
He should not get attracted to fanciful or beautiful words. He needs to have a Spirit of gratitude and repentance.
Collusion: There is a compromise even if the Pastor knows that his member is asking for an undue benefit. The Pastors must learn to work on the principles to say NO. People manipulate and expect things from Pastors. They need to get people out of manipulation. Evangelists catch the fish whereas Pastors clean them. Inherent with collusion is deception. It is a bad compromise like Eve.
b). Elders:
(Historical Background)
The term elder in the New Testament means one who is elderly in age.
ZAQEN (Hebrew)
PRESBYTEROS (Greek) means Leadership.
In the Old Testament they were men of wisdom and experience chosen carefully by their economy. “So Joseph went up to bury his father. All Pharaoh’s officials accompanied him – the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt.” (Genesis 50:07), “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders and they will explain to you.” (Deuteronomy 32:07). Elders served locally “He caught a young man of Succoth and questioned him, and the young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy seven officials of Succoth, the elders of the town.” (Judges 08:14) or in a city. They also served regionally. “The elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob.”(Judges 11:05) and in a Nation as well. Their tasks were of judging and discipline the people. The nest day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood round him from morning till evening. When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for these people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”(Exodus 18:13-14). Elders had an important position in the Old Testament among the people. They were men with wisdom and power. “The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and official among the people. Make them come to the tent of the meeting that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is in you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.”(Numbers 11:16-17).
They read the Law. In Deuteronomy Moses read the Law so as to make it functional. People practised it and remained faithful to it. “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.”(Exodus 18:20).
They were men who were known and had a positive character with God. They were chosen by God and recognised by the people.
They were anointed for the task. The same pre-steps are carried in the New Testament. This framework of eldership is carried in the New Testament.
Functions of an Elder:
(Calibre and teaching)
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”(Acts 14:23). The New Testament pattern for the Church is Eldership. It is a plural term, not singular. “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” (Titus 01:05), “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work may be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage for you.” (Hebrews 13:17). It is an important and a responsible position.
Elder is involved in Shepherding. POIMAINOO in Greek means shepherding. 1 Peter 05:02 and 04. Elders are to tend the flock as a shepherd. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers…” Ephesians 04:11 says pastors/ shepherds. A Pastor has an occupation of souls i.e. to tend the flock – Bishop the flock.
He is also engaged in watching the flock. Greek word for that is AGRUPNEOO – He is the one who watches, as in Hebrews 13:17, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers…” (Acts 20:28). He watches for problems and difficulties. He watches and cares for his sheep that may not get vulnerable.
An elder is a Leader. Greek word for a leader is PROITEEMI. It means literally to stand before as an example for he has devoted his life completely to Christ. “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.”(1 Thessalonians 05:12), “The elders who direct the affairs of the Church well, are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”(1 Timothy 05:17).
An Elder is a Governing Person. Greek word for that is HEEGEOMAI. He is a presiding and ruling individual among the flock. It is not heavy-laden rules but he rules by showing examples and in a loving and a caring way.
Elder is engaged in Steering. Greek word for that is KUBERNESTEES. “But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.”(Acts 27:11). He is a guide to stop people making shipwreck of their lives. He is the one to guide and lead the flock.
Elder is engaged in labouring. Greek word for that is KOPIAOO. It means to toil “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.” (1 Thessalonians 05:12). The more people you have the more problems the elders have to face inside the Church. So the Elders are like a labouring force inside the Church.
Elder is also engaged in Stewarding. Greek word for that is OKONOMAS i.e. discharging as a steward. “Since an overseer is entrusted with God’ work, he must be blameless – not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuit dishonest gain.”(Titus 01:07), “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.” (1 Corinthians 04:01) - to fulfil and function among the people of God.
Capabilities / Qualifications of an Elder:
1 Timothy 03:01-07
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap."
He needs a natural ability to become an Elder that does not have to do anything with his Social Status.
He should have a desire in the heart to become an Elder.
He should be a man of faith.
He should not be a New Convert but someone with experience. “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgement as the devil.” (1 Timothy 03:06).
He should be a husband of one wife.
He should be a man with good reputation outside the church. He should have a good standing with people, man of an upright character. He should be a respectable man.
His family life must be in order. If he cannot take care of his family he will find it difficult to take care of the church as well.
He should be able to teach and instruct the people.
c). Deacons:
They have an important function in the Church. The word Deacon is derived from DIAKONES (Greek) which means Servant. “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons…” (Philippians 01:01).
“Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscious.
They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
In the same way their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
A Deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.”(Timothy 03:08-13).
Deacons are ones who have administrative framework of responsibilities. They are men responsible for the finances, money matters and administration within the church. Acts.06: 01-06 relates to Diakones i.e. to serve. They are subject to the elders of the church.
V. Church Growth Strategy:
A Leader should be success oriented. God does not call for failures. “I tell you the truth, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24. The fruit that we bring in life should be of good quantity and good quality. In a period of 3 years Jesus made approximately 650 disciples and 12 leaders; with their back-ups. These are good quantity results.
As far as quality is concerned, in 30 years 650 people turned into 100,000. All this was only possible because of proper implementation of strategies. The quality of discipleship was such that John said that their loyalties would remain till the end. Our prayers and strategies should focus on success.
Strategies should be goal oriented. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 01:08.
Strategies should be people oriented. We should have a clear idea about the segment of people we are supposed to work with.
Strategies should be result oriented at an increasing trend. There should be persistence in our lives. These are for better results. Because God cannot work to be a failure. “Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.” Acts 17:04.
Prayer always produces results. It is the key to everything. It is the best strategy to receive fruits in life. Prayer is imperative for changes and results. Both external and internal results are achieved through prayer. People are changed with visible (external) or invisible (internal) results. We must also look at our failures.
VI. Great Commission:
Strategies for Planning must be based on the Great Commission. Wrong understanding of the Great Commission will produce wrong leadership. This can result in failures. It is a command and not a point of discussion. Jesus revealed the Kingdom of God to His disciples and commissioned them to share the Kingdom with the rest of the world and make new disciples. Jesus discipled them for the same purpose. Jesus chose His disciples who were charismatic figures. They were teachable and correctable. Love for the lost is the key element of the Great Commission. Emphasis is not only on “Go”, but also on learning and preparation. The Great Commission is mentioned in five different books of the Bible.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mathew 28:18-20. This is the best version of the Great Commission. 4 verbs are used in this passage. Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. Out of these, 3 are helping and make disciples is the commanding verb.
He said to them, “Go into the entire world and preach the good news to all the creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:15-18. In this passage in order to make disciples, stress has been given on preaching.
“…and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” Luke 24:47-48. In this passage in order to make disciples, stress has been laid upon giving testimonies.
“And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:21-23. In this passage, in order to make disciples, stress has been laid upon forgiveness. We must learn to forgive people and also pray for forgiveness of their sins.
Great Commission gives geographical locations and explains the regions where men of God will reach to make disciples.
VII. Discipleship:
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own self also...And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me...So, likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-27,33)
If the closest relationship of a disciple's life conflict with the claims of Jesus Christ, then our Lord requires instant obedience to Himself. Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person - our Lord Jesus Christ. To be a disciple is to be a devoted bondservant motivated by love for the Lord Jesus Christ. (My Utmost for His highest by Oswald Chambers)
The word disciple is used in the New Testament around 260 times and has been derived from the Greek word ‘Mathetes’. The two levels of discipleship are repentance and excelling in teaching.
Jesus lived with His disciples. It allowed explanation about the revelation.
He imparted within them all that God had given to Jesus.
He demonstrated His authority and the Kingdom among His disciples.
He gave them continuous supervision. He reviewed and applied the lessons in just 3 years.
He reproduced in them, what God had given Him. He transferred His spiritual DNA in their lives.
Making disciples and establishing proper teaching in their lives helps in their growth and development a future Leaders. Jesus is completely committed to our complete transformation. He wants us to develop professional standards in our lives, for example Joseph in the Old Testament was brought to a place of great authority.
Discipleship is about commitment. “…and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Mathew 10:38.
We sharpen one another as we converse. Iron sharpens iron.
Failure and correction should never stop our walk with Jesus. We should be focused on our direction and destination.
Doors of opportunities are never closed although we make mistakes. God does not close doors for us.
Being His disciples we should not live a crisis filled life rather we should know God in our personal life.
When we are operating in faith, speech and words are important. There is power in expressing the prophetic word that we receive from the Lord. We need to be open in our relationships, so that Satan does not creep in.
Fellowship is important. We need to be with the men of God.
VII.i. How to check discipleship:
This should be the goal of all the ministries. There should be true fruit in our lives. With high quality fruit we are sure that its taste will not change.
We should have strong commitment with Jesus. He is in invisible realm. Church is the visible part of Christ. So discipleship can be checked from our commitment with the Church. We must learn to become responsible church members.
VIII. Church Theology:
According to Church Theology, emphasis should be laid on bringing new people into Church. The number of Church members should be increased.
IX. Harvest theology:
According to the Harvest Theology emphasis should be laid on reaping where the soil is in preparatory stage. Harvest in a land that will yield fruit of fine quantity. Harvest is an important phenomenon for a farmer. Timing is important because without it the crop can result is wastage.
In 1970, the world’s largest revival was in Indonesia which lasted for ten years. There were miracles and people walked on water and were healed, they were freed from demons. Timing is crucial in harvest. Secondly hard work, dedication and determination are also very important. According to the Harvest Theology there should be more labor force in a land where harvest is prepared.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” 1 Corinthians 03:06
“…You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of times.” Mathew 16:03
Jesus moves according to times and seasons, either the season of harvest or sowing. He moves according to the quality of soil. The strategy for evangelism is to understand the importance of time and season and move ahead according to the Guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is the best strategy for Church Growth and Plantation.
We also need to test the soil and evaluate which soil is ready to be harvested. There are three principles to test the receptive soil.
Where churches are already growing:
Soil represents a given Geographical land e.g. Slough, Nottingham etc. We have to evaluate the areas where growing, emerging and dynamic churches are situated. The spiritual density and receptivity of people towards the Word of God is high in these areas. This is the right area to give maximum efforts and preach the Word of God for the soil is already ripened. The presence of pastors and churches in an added factor that contributes to harvest. In Economics this means perfect competition. In business this is the stage of maturity. In marketing this is segmentation.
Where people are changing:
In this case, soil (people) is rich for harvest where there are changes occurring in the selected region. These can be the socio-economic changes, political or natural disasters e.g. floods and earthquakes. A region with such changes is also suitable for harvest because with these changes people cannot foresee their future and they are in confusion. Places where such changes appear, people are willing to receive more. When people are tender it is easy to harvest them. These are signs of harvest. Formulate a strategy to work among these people and positive results will appear
Church’s Growth maximum rate is in Argentina (Latin America). In 1982 Argentina decided to invade Falkland, a near-by island. But it lost the battle against England. Thus the national pride of the people was hurt although for the world this chapter had been closed. These people became more receptive towards the Word of God, since The Gospel has the potential to fill the vacuums
Among Masses:
Classes and Masses are the two distinguished classes in the society. Classes are further classified into uppers, middles and lowers. Whereas the masses are the common people living on daily wages. These people are more receptive towards Gospel, since they live a confused life. It is easier to reach them. Classes are slightly difficult people to reach. Reaching a businessman or a professional doctor is slightly difficult. Therefore results in masses are quite high. This is a principle for every nation. The standard of holiness should be maintained in life, so that we do not loose our fruit.
X. Impartation of Leader’s Vision among people:
God wants us to understand our personal vision for our future. He gives us road marks to move ahead. He gives us his personal relationship and attention for our development.
We should challenge people to find their own destination and position in the Ministry.
Goals and objectives should be defined and accomplished. The vision and mission statement should not be changed, once defined. One should be careful to reveal facts about his vision, while addressing publicly. Since people do not have similar faith standards, they fail to understand.
We should impart the deep spiritual standards amongst the Ministry members. Satan (enemy) cannot enter our spirits for it is deep. Therefore visions must go deep down so as to be implemented and imparted amongst others.
Obedience is another factor to impart our vision amongst others. Sometimes other factors such as financial or physical needs hinder us, but we must move in faith. Therefore fellow ministry members should be well aware of our standings.
Sometimes when other factors do not remain constant, ministries seem to come to an end. This is the right time when a leader should motivate his fellow members. Vision is not meant to be ceased or destroyed; rather it is originated to be implemented. Thus a leader should possess the quality to impart his vision among people.
XI. Mission:
Mission is that task which the Lord wants us to do. Mission comprises of Commission and Transmission. Commission means the “Great Commission” and Transmission means to work amongst people of different cultures or religions, with varying backgrounds. Thus we are given a mission through commission and that is to transmission. In simpler words it means to evangelize among different people. The prerequisite for accomplishing our mission is to reach the level of maturity.
Mission Vision Anointing Gifting Calling
Do not start any work that has to be left ultimately. Rather continue with the work that God has begun in life. One should master in a single identity e.g. pastoral work, teaching or worship. When trust of people is lost in our lives, we loose the anointing of the Holy Spirit. A Leader should not make promises that cannot be fulfilled with God and also with people in the Ministry. Everyone is given a different Mission and Commission. Every anointing and calling is unique. Become original rather than carbon copies of other ministries.
i. Mission Statement:
a) Define the mission. This means to define your calling. What is it that has to be done in a wider spectrum and in clear words?
b) Describe the people. Indicate the segment of people you want to work with, believers or non-believers. The Kingdom of God is the Mission of God. “Thy Kingdom Come” in Lord’s Prayer. We cannot bring everyone into the Kingdom for the Lord has specified certain group of people to bring into His Kingdom. Our prayers and Mission should be made as one and should move together in a similar direction. People and Mission should be part of our prayers.
c) Describe the force for evangelism. God has made us all evangelists. Describe the force to evangelize and accomplish your mission. It can be written material (literature), broachers, media, etc. the spiritual force to be used must also be described.
d) Means and Methods. This includes the physical means and resources, e.g. finances or buildings.
e) Define the approach, e.g. as a group, single, dual. This defines the approach to evangelize with fellow members in the ministry.
f) Anticipate outcomes. Analyze the results of ministry in future. Define your future expectations and outcomes. How many people will be saved during evangelism?
g) Decide your role. Divide the work amongst the ministry members according to division of labor. Analyze your own role in the ministry and assign yourself a single designation.
h) Make plans. How many meetings in how many months? Split your plans on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.
i) Act accordingly. This implies to live a life of discipline and acting on assigned principles, goals and targets.
j) Evaluate. The results should be evaluated as good, average, bad. Which strategy to follow next? Have a clear understanding of your movements. Without proper planning actions result to zero. We start our missions from the 9th point, ignoring the previous eight. “All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Mathew 12:32.
ii. Two Mandates of Mission:
On moving ahead with the work of God we face resistance and rejection from the world. Every soul we win is lost by the enemy. “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 04:03. The blindness and darkness within people needs to be demolished by the light of Jesus. Bind these forces of darkness and receive the fruit. Since enemy has illegal control over us, he is forced to leave. For the extension of the Kingdom of God, the message of Gospel should be planted in their lives, instead. Depression, sickness, sins and darkness is has no rule in our lives. “As you go, preach this message: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Mathew 10:07-08. This worse depicts the Great Commission in action. Heal the sick and preach the Kingdom of God. It is the manifestation of the Kingdom of God that those who are sick shall be healed. The Kingdom shall cure incurable diseases. Healing the sick is part of our commission. The Kingdom casts out oppressive, possessive and dominant spirits. Thus Kingdom has remedy for areas of our lives.
Cultural side and Evangelistic side are the two mandates of Ministry. Evangelism side includes the Spiritual aspects and cultural side includes the Social side of our life. These two should maintain a balance. Social aspect comes from Genesis 01:28. God had given authority and respect to Adam & Eve. The social and spiritual responsibilities move together. Without responsibilities, authorities don’t operate. Therefore we have a cultural and a spiritual mandate. The second Great Commandment from the Bible is to love your neighbor the way you love yourself. The entire humanity is our neighborhood. Love always shares, helps and forgives. It encourages us and motivates us.
In Genesis 03:09, God met Adam & Eve daily. But one fine day He did not find them and therefore called for them. This is Evangelistic Mandate that God is still waiting for man to come nearer to Him. We have to restore this relationship, which Adam broke.
Both these mandates are important, but priority is given to the Spiritual Mandate. Social mandate is also a part of our Great Commission. (Genesis 02:17). Man died spiritually, socially and physically when sin entered. It brought curse on earth, which originated material problems. When Adam was driven out, he faced poverty, suffering, pain and had to work hard for his living. He faced death and decay. In Revelations 22:02 & 21:04, sin brought social and material curses and therefore abundant life was taken away from him. Luke 04:18. Priority is given to the poor for preaching the Gospel so that they might come out of poverty. This is God’s remedy for social and financial curse. He takes us out of the bondage of poverty. He wants us out of physical curses i.e. sickness. He gives us internal and external healing. Furthermore He heals our soul and spirit because of His amazing love for us.
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