So, I’m working on a 6-page paper on my theology of ministry. I take my theology of ministry from what is commonly called “The Great Commission”—nothing against the designation, I just dislike boxes. Anyhow, here is the bare outline:
Matthew 28:16-20
Ministry takes place in the context of the already-and-not-yet kingdom.
1. ALREADY: Jesus already rules the kingdom; he has been given all decision-making authority, v. 18.
2. NOT YET: Jesus will consummate his kingdom sometime in the future, v.19.
Jesus’ commissioning of our ministry involves knowing the story, being the people, and expanding the kingdom.
1.KNOW THE STORY
a.The story is about our own odd mixture of worship and double-mindedness, v.17.
b.The story is about everything Jesus commanded by word and example, v. 20.
2.BE THE PEOPLE
a.We are the people of God by virtue of being immersed in the Name (God’s entire being, purposes, etc.), v. 19.
b.We are the people of God by virtue of Jesus continuing presence with us in the already-and-not-yet kingdom, v. 20.
3. EXPAND THE KINGDOM
a.We expand the kingdom horizontally by obeying the command to go make follower-learners, v. 19.
b.We expand the kingdom vertically by obeying everything Jesus commanded by word and example and by teaching others to do the same, v. 20.
Ministry takes place in the context of holism (“all-ness”).
1. Jesus has ALL decision-making authority, v. 18.
2. Follower-learners come from ALL people groups, v. 19.
3. Follower-learners keep ALL Jesus commanded by word and example, v. 20a.
4. Jesus is with us ALL the days until the consummation of the already-and-not-yet kingdom, v. 20b.
I welcome your thoughts.
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