Philosophy of Ministry Assignment
Elena Solis
CHMN201
May 5, 2025
2
During the first week of the course, I defined, what makes a healthy church, by Christ being the
center of the church through worship, connection, discipleship, and sharing the Gospel.
Throughout this course, I have learned this and more about what it means to be a healthy church.
I have also learned that a thoughtful philosophy in ministry serves as a fundamental principle
that offers direction and purpose to one’s efforts. It encompasses core beliefs, influences
decision-making, and aligns actions with broader objectives. Gaining a deeper understanding and
the ability to express concepts in ministry not only enhances personal insight but also lays a
strong foundation for effective leadership, spiritual development, and meaningful community
involvement. This approach underpins impactful ministry activities that resonate with God's
teachings. Over the duration of this course, I can confidently say that my understanding of these
concepts has deepened. Engaging with these four areas of ministry has shaped my beliefs and
sense of purpose, allowing me to see Christianity from a refreshed perspective. This course
showed how I should approach teaching truth and knowing what teaching methods to use.
Through this course it has helped me know truth, which helped me share the Gospel more
effectively, specifically in the part of evangelism. This course helped me to have a deeper
understanding and knowledge of church membership and church discipline, to where I thought I
already have knowledge on, but this has helped me to understand these concepts better.
Teaching the Truth
As a Christian, learning the importance of church and Biblical sound teaching is something that
was understood early on in my life. Then using the Bible as my instruction manual to get to
heaven and to share this with others. Reading Matthew 24:141, I realized that teaching is rooted
in a monarchial view and are free from religious biases. I think that there are other tools to help
understand the Bible more and better help the reader understand the Bible. Tools such as
1 Matt.24:14 [CSB] “The Good News of The Kingdom
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commentaries are helpful to get an in-depth analysis of the scripture and historical background.
In 2 Timothy 1:13-14, it displays guidelines for teachers to use for biblical teachings. From the
courses I learned from Mark 22, I gained insight into the fundamental principles of my teaching,
delivered in a clear and deeply impactful way. The central message of the Gospel should
highlight that the God of the Bible is a Creator, a Holy God, a Faithful Being, a Loving Entity,
and a Sovereign Lord. This understanding affirmed that this fresh perspective represents the true
essence of faith.
My original perspective on teaching techniques stemmed from how I understood and
communicated information. I soon recognized my inherent inclination toward visual aids. As I
evolved as an instructor, I employed practical examples and objects to clarify biblical concepts.
For example, when discussing Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones, I used actual bones to help
Christians visualize and grasp the narrative better. As my understanding of the Kingdom
perspective deepened, my teaching methods and demonstrations evolved, as noted in 1
Corinthians 13:11-123. I firmly believe that careful exegetical study and accurate text
interpretation are essential. By examining the historical context, cultural practices, traditions, and
religious beliefs, I gained insight into the challenges Jesus faced while conveying His message
about the kingdom's righteousness. This awareness highlighted the distinction between His
Power and my own. Although my teaching was rooted in my knowledge, I realized I was
overlooking His power and simply showcasing His Holiness. This revelation opened my eyes to
the presence of supernatural power, which I will explore further. To tap into this true power, I
needed to gain a profound understanding of the explanation, as it helped me recognize aspects I
had previously overlooked.
2 2 Tim. 1:13-14 [NASB1995] “Retain the standard”
3 Mark Two: Gospel Doctrine
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Sharing and Receiving the Gospel
My perspective on conversion is that I find it inspiring to witness non-believers pray for the first
time during worship. I often refer to Romans 10:94 when discussing this topic. It helps people
understand the biblical narrative of our existence and salvation through Christ. This journey
begins internally and expands outward, which is crucial. Simply speaking your confession means
little if it is not wholeheartedly accepted5. The well-being of the heart is the most important
aspect. It’s essential to express your thoughts openly and honestly, ideally through confession.
Genuine confession goes beyond admitting to certain actions; I explain that
"to confess" means recognizing one’s identity as a sinner in need of salvation.6 After
contemplating my understanding of conversion, I've come to view it through the lens of the
teachings from this course in Mark 310. The significant transformation that conversion brings is
crucial; as Paul points out, we are "in big trouble," spiritually lifeless in our sins and
transgressions. Ignoring the conflict between our natural and spiritual selves will obstruct our
comprehension of the transformative power of the Blood of Jesus Christ in the process of
conversion.
My view on evangelism is that it's a vital aspect of ministry. I believe that sharing the teachings
of the kingdom isn't the sole responsibility of one person or limited to specific mission trips;
rather, it is a collective duty for all of us. Evangelism should hold a central place in our ministry,
exemplified by our leaders (pastors or shepherds guiding God's flock) and the community as a
whole. I am convinced that evangelism effectively encourages others to embrace a particular
faith-based perspective. When people witness our willingness to step out of our comfort zones to
lead them to Christ, they tend to respond positively, becoming more open to experiencing the
4 Rom. 10:9 (NIV)
5 Isa. 29:13 (NIV)
6 1 Joh. 1:9 (NIV)
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Holy Spirit's transformative power. This personal interaction deeply impacts their emotions.
Scripture, particularly Matthew 28:19-207, provides profound wisdom on this subject.
Evangelism starts with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who imparts truth to our hearts if we are
receptive. I would also stress the importance of having patience, as everyone has different
abilities and timelines in their spiritual journey. It's essential to listen to people, as they often
share their genuine feelings about ministry, God, or Jesus. Being present and available for
someone in need of support can inspire them to seek the Lord and bring Him glory through your
willingness to assist. Finally, preparedness is key—it creates a sense of urgency, reminding us
that we cannot take any day for granted. As Scripture says, the angels in heaven celebrate each
time a soul comes to Christ, and we, too, should rejoice in these moments. My approach to
Evangelism has significantly improved throughout this course, particularly through my
understanding of Mark 3. I've learned that rather than following a strict step-by-step method or
expecting the pastor to lead the charge, Evangelism should center around the faithful
communication of the Gospel message. It’s about more than just expanding a ministry or
addressing individual needs; it’s about genuinely connecting with others. When sharing your
faith, you embody the role of an evangelist, which means listening attentively to others in order
to convey the love of Jesus through the Gospel, avoiding any imposition or harshness.
Membership and Church Discipline
I once believed that membership had minimal influence on me. The instructional video "Does
church size matter?"8 suggests that while larger memberships can lead to increased revenue, they
also come with added responsibilities and less room for mistakes. However, I've seen smaller
churches that operate effectively each week. I feel that many large churches today lack
accountability and might be more prone to hiding their flaws. In my view, a church's ideology,
7 Matt. 28:19-20 (NIV)
8 “Does Church Size Matter” “Matt Chandler, Mark Dever, Kevin DeYoung
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lifestyle, and integrity are far more important than its size when it comes to the effectiveness of a
ministry. I recognize that God blesses individuals in their roles, careers, gifts, seasons, and
responsibilities. While membership can help hold Christians accountable as they engage with
God's word and feel conviction through the Holy Spirit, simply attending church does not ensure
salvation. By neglecting to gather with other believers, we risk undermining the commitment
necessary for personal transformation and the pursuit of truth.9 I believe in the importance of
church discipline because it encourages church members to pursue morality and justice. When
the church mirrors the world's behavior, it raises the question of why anyone should choose to
follow its teachings. The notion that "I can continue to sin without Him in my life" is rooted in a
dangerous misconception. I view discipline as a form of respect for the divine presence in our
lives. John 15:18-2010 made it clear to me that I don't belong to this world; yet, it's essential for
Christians to be disciplined and obedient. Furthermore, Mark 511 illustrates that church discipline
serves a twofold purpose: first, for the well-being of the individual, and second, for the benefit of
other believers who witness our actions and understand the seriousness of disobedience. This
practice is crucial for the health of the church, for our collective witness, and for glorifying God
as we strive to embody holiness. Our daily walk as believers hinges on this principle.
Spiritual leadership
I believe that spiritual leaders should adhere to the guidelines found in 1 Timothy 3:1-712. The
instructions Apostle Paul provided to Timothy are still relevant today. It's essential for one to be
guided by the Holy Spirit, to see, hear, and understand God's messages, and to work towards
proving their worthiness. Paul Chappell13 highlighted the importance of being filled with the
9 Hebr. 10:25 (NIV)
10 Joh. 15:18-20 (NIV)
11 Mark Five: Biblical Church Discipline
12 1 Tim. 3:1-7 (NIV)
13 Five Qualities of Godly Spiritual Leaders
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Holy Spirit and submitting to God's word. Holy Spirit emphasizes enthusiasm for holiness,
fosters restorative relationships, and demonstrates grace towards others in summarizing "The 21
Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell14. In one chapter, there's a discussion about
women being silent. I believe that when we examine the context, it becomes clear that this was
not intended to be discriminatory against women but rather to reflect their limited education in
spiritual matters, as they were primarily taught by men or their husbands. Throughout the
Gospel, it is evident that God does not exhibit favoritism like humans often do. Mark 7:22
teaches us that leadership should be assessed based on character and outcomes, rather than on
mere appearances. From a biblical standpoint, the prerequisite for a pastor is to be an elder.
Historically, men were predominantly elders, which contextualizes the text. However, we should
appreciate the insights and truths that the powerful women God empowers share. It’s important
that we all embrace the BOSS (Boss, Out (Front), Supply, Service) mnemonic method
highlighted in Mark 7.
Spiritual Leadership
Demonstrating God's presence and sharing His love is most impactful when it comes from a
mindset of service. Leaders are called to embody the principles found in Matthew 20:28 by
helping others. In Luke 22:24-27, Jesus taught His disciples that those aspiring to greatness
should adopt a servant role. We should be ready to assist members of God's kingdom in their
ascension and fulfillment of their responsibilities. The week 5 Spiritual Gift assignment opened
my eyes to the unique roles everyone has for a specific purpose. Through this assignment, I came
to understand that neglecting to recognize the gifts within ourselves or others is like being
stagnant. At the same time, these talents hold the potential to create a positive impact on a
country, community, ministry, or individual. This interactive evaluation fostered self-awareness,
14 Irrefutable Laws by John C Maxwell
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improving one’s ability to serve the Kingdom of God. Servants are viewed as remarkable
because they prioritize the master's mindset and perspective over their own appearance. I believe
this activity, along with practical study groups and courses on spiritual gifts, can be valuable for
leaders. Mark 715 highlights the importance of prayer; without it, no ministry can successfully
fulfill the work God has in store.
Bibliography
Chandler, Matt, Mark Dever, and Kevin DeYoung. "Does Church Size Matter?" n.d.
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/player/video/151143?session=151143.
Chappell, Paul. "Five Qualities of Godly Spiritual Leaders." Paul Chappell. October 27, 2023.
https://paulchappell.com/2023/10/27/five-qualities-of-godly-spiritual-leaders/.
Denver, Mark. "Nine Marks of a Healthy Church." Mark One- Nine. Last modified 2021.
https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3ANNMRKSHLTHY4THD/references/page.5.
GotQuestions.org. "What Is Expositional Preaching." GotQuestions.Org. Last modified
October 18, 2008.https://www.gotquestions.org/expositional-preaching.html.
Maxwell, John C., John C. MaxwellBiographyJohn C. Maxwell is a #1PNew York
TimesPbestselling author, and John C. Maxwell. “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
HarperCollins Leadership. Last modified July 29, 2022. https://
www.harpercollinsleadership.com/9781400236169/the-21-irrefutable-laws-of- leadership/
15 Mark Seven: Biblical Church Leadership
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