Philosophy_of_Ministry_Final_Draft.docx.pdf.pdf

Philosophy of Ministry

Joel Detamore

CHMN 201 Introduction to Church Ministries

Contents

ii

Introduction 1

Teaching the Truth2

What Should be Taught?2

Methods of Teaching3

Spiritual Leadership………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7

Requirements for Spiritual Leadership…………………………………………………………………………………………………8

Activities of Spiritual Leadership……………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10

Introduction

For the most part, I do not feel that my outlooks or philosophy of ministry have changed

much. That is not to say they haven’t shifted to some varying degree, but my overall thoughts are

still very much the same. The last few weeks have helped me see church ministry in a different

my brother’s church that he and his wife planted 16 years ago. I have been blessed to be a part of

what God is doing and seeing the church’s strengths, weaknesses, growths, setbacks, ministries,

etc. Beginning in childhood, I was able to see the church and the ministries somewhat from the

inside looking out.

As I go over the next few subjects in this paper, I think it will be obvious that not much

has changed, but I hope to highlight where some of those angles of understanding have shifted.

sermon does not stem from the Word of God, then for me, it was all for not. As far as what

teach from. When I listen to someone speaking from the pulpit, or a podcast, I am careful to pay

attention to what is being taught from Scripture. Too often good-natured, good-intentioned,

leaders will take verses out of context to try and make a point on a topic; to make it fit into what

they are trying to relay. Some will even add a word here or there to make it “sound better” or

more palatable. This is blatantly wrong. Scripture tells us in Deuteronomy and Proverbs to not

add or take away anything from the Lord’s saying. This is where discernment is key in making

sure what is being taught is absolute truth and not man’s version of the truth. Charles Spurgeon is

accredited with saying, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It

because of what the Lord has impressed on the pastor or because of the vision the leaders of the

church have. However, everything should always point back to Christ. And if everything is

pointed back to Christ, then the opportunity for salvation will always be there.

etc. From the pulpit on a Sunday morning, the style of learning that is going on in the

congregation will be auditorial. Most preaching, or lectures, are set this way. That doesn't mean

that is the only method of learning that can take place in the church. Many people are also visual

learners. I have seen some very creative ways for preachers to grab the congregation’s attention

using visual senses to teach, without derailing the attention off the Word of God.

Sharing and Receiving the Gospel

Again, my stance hasn’t really changed here. I am a big proponent of sharing the gospel

message of Jesus. We are commanded to do so by Christ. Also, if we as Christians truly love

Christ, then our hearts will yearn to share His love with everyone else. Scripture is clear, that

people will know we are Christ’s disciples by the love we show them. (John 13:35 [New

International Version]).

Conversion

The Bible is clear that salvation is a free gift, by grace through faith alone. This is an

unmerited gift of grace from God through Jesus Christ. Romans is also clear that as long as we

to people. That remains the same. There are great books and writings out there that can

breakdown Scripture in a way that is easier to understand or relate to, but not taking away from

the authority of the Word.

Evangelism

I feel this is where the biggest shift in how I see things has occurred. The overall

philosophy hasn’t changed, but coming at it from a different angle. Evangelism is biblical and I

believe mandated by Christ. That will always remain true. What has shifted for me is the how.

The reason this shift has taken place is honestly because of an Apologetics course I am taking

concurrently with this one. The church can do a great job, and many do, at presenting the gospel

genuine, a false prophet or not, by their fruit that we recognize in them. It is not that Jesus is

telling us to judge other people, but to be watchful, wise, and discerning by the fruits people

bear.3 Someone who has truly converted and has the Holy Spirit dwelling in them will bear good

fruit. So long as we are prayed-up, read-up in the Word, and in-tune with God, we will be able to

discern by the fruit of the Spirit that is evident, or not, in other’s lives.

3 Who Are We Supposed to Judge According to Their Fruit?, accessed April 4, 2023,

https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0200/who-are-we-supposed-to-judge-according-to-their-fruit

believe. (1 Peter 3:15 [NIV]). This is where the how comes into play. We must meet them, those

questioning, where they’re at. We must be able to affirm some things in their skepticism and

questions and then tie those to the gospel, always pointing them back to Christ. Affirming with

them will allow barriers to be broken down in order to allow them to open up the idea of Christ

and what the Bible says. This method is called the Inside Out Method. We must meet them inside

their own thoughts, questions, and disbeliefs before going outside and correlating it all to the

members of the church agree with that statement of faith and hearts and minds become more

aligned and unity begins to take place within the church.

Membership and Church Discipline

My understanding of membership and church discipline has not changed, but I feel it has

become more concrete. I have never questioned what it means to be a member of a church nor

have I questioned the way churches should discipline within the church and within the bounds of

Scripture. Though it can be a difficult discussion to have with some people, staying true to what

the Word of God calls churches to is what is most important.

Spiritual Leadership

As we have progressed through this course, my wife and I have been leading our first

how to address sin within the church. I think people can misunderstand this when they make

claims such as, “Well aren’t we all sinners?” Yes, we are all sinners. However, church discipline

has to do with public sin and sin that does, or can, negatively impact the church and its members.

That said, if someone has a private sin they are dealing with, then that private sin becomes

public, it should be dealt with accordingly. My understanding of Jesus’ instructions in Matthew

18 is that this church discipline is about protecting the flock. It isn’t about embarrassing someone

but shaming them to reconciliation with Christ. The idea shame in western culture carries a

negative connotation with it, but the Bible is littered with the concept of shame vs. honor.

However, shame in the Bible, and done correctly, is to steer someone back into right standing

with God.