Four Key Words for Ministry

A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick


1. Edify - Corinthians 14:12

    "Edification" is one of those Bible words not commonly used outside of Scripture. To "edify" simply means "to build up." We are told by Paul that the Church is the temple of the Lord, and as Peter explains, this temple is made up of "lively stones" (I Peter 2:5).

    Thus, when each member gains strength, the whole body is strengthened, and when one is weakened, the whole is also weakened.

    As members of the Body of Christ, we are called on to edify one another (Hebrews 10:25 - "encourage" means to give courage or strength). The truth is, we do not work in isolation, but cooperate with one another in a dynamic partnership. Sadly, at times it seems that church people are too quick to tear down rather than build up.

    Edification is both veritcal - we receive strength from God (I Samuel 30:6), and horizontal - we also receive from others (Luke 22:32).

2. Excel - Colossians 3:23

    Whatever we are doing in the ministry, we are urged to do it better; improvements are begging to be made.

    The philosophy of Hinduism, as symbolized by the wheel of life on the flag of India, is that life is circular. On the other hand, the philosophy of Christianity is that life is linear - we are in a forward, upward movement toward a goal. Following Christ makes progress inevitable.

    At one point, Paul commended a particular church because they loved one another. Then he added, do it "more and more" (I Thessalonians 4:9,10). We believe the same principle applies to our service for the Lord.

    Furthermore, it is important that each member of the Body of Christ assume responsibility for their own "ministry gift" development.

3. Expect - Matthew 9:29

    To have expectations is to have faith. ("According to your faith be it unto you.")

    Obviously, when there are no expectations, there are also no disappointments; as we say, "nothing ventured, nothing gained"; but without expectations, neither will there be any of the excitement that comes with accomplishment. If there is no target to shoot at, there will never come the satisfaction of hitting, or even coming close to hitting the "bull's eye."

    Wise ministers approach every ministry involvement with clearly identified expectations.

    For example, in our Seminars in India, my expectations for pastor/leaders included:

    An increase in:

      Determination (by decision not feelings);

      Hope (there is a future and it will be good);

      Confidence (Paul wrote this to Timid Timothy - "God has not given us the spirit of fear"); and

      Energy (favorite verses of many people: "He giveth His beloved sleep"; "There remains a rest for the people of God.")

4. Evaluate - Philippians 1:10

    Every now and then it is important for us to pause to look back, crystalize our learnings and note the progress that has been made.

    Paul is not advising against this when he wrote the words, "Forgetting those things which are behind. . ." In that passage, he was referring to the vanity of boasting.

    Someone has aptly said, "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."

    For the most part, we Pentecostals are action oriented; there's little time for reflection. Besides, we say, "Jesus is coming soon." Consequently we hurry on to the next project without adequate evaluation.

    Within the field of education there is this saying, "If the student hasn't learned the teacher hasn't taught." This same principle can be applied to many areas of ministry. But how will we know if accomplishments are being realized if we never take the time to check?

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