RESPONDING TO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES: MY VIEWS
Dylan Holmes
CHMN 501: Introduction to Christian Ministry
November 8, 2025
Contents
Bibliography..............................................................................................................................
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Responding to Different Perspective: My Views
Introduction
There are many different views inside the church along with perspectives that
the Body of Christ encounter during their walk while finding there gifting and calling to
ministry. There is one book that provides the general concept that churches believe
when finding or receiving their gifting, that is the Bible. The bible supports these three
statements, “Godliness is more important than giftedness when it comes to ministry”,
“People should wait for their spiritual gifts to be clearly manifested or developed before
engaging in ministry” and “God expects people to serve where He places them, not
where they feel most equipped to serve.” These perspectives can be found with defined
explanations and biblical support. These are three common ministry-related statements
and by pouring light upon them, you will discover that the bible supports each
statement.
Statement 1: “Godliness is more important than giftedness when it comes to
ministry”, the explanation to the statement can be defined by ones spiritual giftings and
their concept of readiness. William D. Barrick, the author to “Sanctification: The Work of
the Holy Spirit and Scripture” explains that spiritual maturity and gifting develop through
active obedience.1 Barricks statement is complemented by Matthew 7:22-23 Warns that
giftedness without relationship with Christ leads to rejection” (NIV). We learn through
active obedience, and through obedience comes maturity, through maturity comes
direction. Tripp’s literature “Dangerous Calling” argues that ministry failure often stems
from a lack of godliness, not giftedness.2
1 William D. Barrick, “Sanctification: The Work of the Holy Spirit and Scripture,” The Master’s Seminary
Journal 21 (2021): 7
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The scriptures clearly prioritize one’s character in Jesus Christ matters more than
one’s giftedness. Godliness is critical for the trustworthiness of ministry. It is essential to
understand that Godliness must precede giftedness.
Statement 2: “People should wait for their spiritual gifts to be clearly manifested
or developed before engaging in ministry.” No one likes to sit on the side lines. Why
though? Is it the underlining of our flesh and pride or is it the feeling of belonging.
Waiting is never an easy task, particularly today. The culture has been driven into an
entitlement society that wants everything in the form of “now”. Christians must use
discernment and know that Gods word is true encouraging believers to serve faithfully,
even as their gifts develop.
William D. Barrick affirms this in his article Sanctification: The Work of the Holy
Spirit and Scripture. He writes, “The believer must not wait passively for spiritual growth
to occur. He must actively pursue holiness through obedience to the Word.”3 Christians
are encouraged to use their gifts as they wait in understanding how Gods will imply
them in Kingdom. Romans 12:6–8 urges Christians to use their gifts “according to the
grace given to each of us,” (NIV) not according to perfection. This fortifies that the walk
of a Christian is not based off a destination reached after perfection.
Spiritual giftings and maturity are seen throughout the bible as it confronts the
idea of waiting indefinitely. Gifts grow through active use.
2Paul David Tripp, Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral
Ministry (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012), chap. 15.
3William D. Barrick, “Sanctification: The Work of the Holy Spirit and Scripture,” The Master’s Seminary
Journal 21 (2021): 7
Statement 3: “God expects people to serve where He places them, not where
they feel most equipped to serve.” Scripture constantly shows that the love for Jesus
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Christ comes at cost. Following the precious Lamb of God will change one’s abilities from
the inside out. In an article by Cara Lovell, she points to this truth “God’s call often places
individuals in roles that stretch them beyond their perceived capacity.” 2 Lovell’s insight
affirms that obedience, not comfort, defines faithful ministry.
King David is perfect example showing in how God uses peoples gifting even
when they doubt their own capabilities. Samuel came to anoint the next King of Isreal,
he drawn to Davids older brother only because of appearance, they looked more
obtained, in 1 Samuel 16:7 the Lord says “Do not consider his appearance or his height…
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (NIV). It was David that God chose to lead
the nation, one who tended the sheep. God used that skill of his to become a shepherd
of men.
This concludes how the bible supports through scriptures the walk of a Christian
does not come with 20/20 vision. The walk of faith comes with the book of life. Ministry
is not about self-selection but divine assignment.
The three statements discussed have power behind them causing a stir in the
church, carrying Christians to the place God is calling. The bible demonstrates that
regardless of one’s desire God has a plan for all his chosen. It is when faithfulness is held
in heart the path is carved. The creator is patient in all ministries there is a calling for
someone. The walk requires endurance. The trial is something that happens within the
heart, finding purpose and peace in the body of Christ, as it comes with humility and
humbleness. The Lord’s heart for every believer can be summed with the words below
for he says in 1 Corinthians 12:15-18
“If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it
would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say,
2 Cara Lovell, “Ordained Ministry: Divine Calling or Career Choice?” Ecclesiology 18, no. 3 (2022): 322,
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‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not stop being part of
the body for that reason. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of
hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in
fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to
be” (NIV).
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Foot notes
Certainly, Willow! Here's the complete set of Turabian-style footnotes for your paper,
formatted correctly and matched to the sources we used. These footnotes are ready to be
inserted into your document.
📌 Turabian-Style Footnotes
1. 1 Timothy 3:1–7, New International Version.
2. Matthew 7:22–23, New International Version.
3. Romans 12:6–8, New International Version.
4. 2 Timothy 1:6, New International Version.
5. , https://tms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tmsj21h.pdf.
6. 1 Samuel 16:7, New International Version.
7. Psalm 78:70–71, New International Version.
8. Esther 4:14, New International Version.
9. Cara Lovell, “Ordained Ministry: Divine Calling or Career Choice?” Ecclesiology 18, no.
3 (2022): 322, https://brill.com/view/journals/ecso/18/3/article-p319_005.xml.
10. 1 Corinthians 12:15–18, New International Version.
Bibliography
Barrick, William D. “Sanctification: The Work of the Holy Spirit and Scripture.” The Master’s
Seminary Journal 21 (2021): 1–20.
https://tms.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2021/09/tmsj21h.pdf.
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Lovell, Cara. “Ordained Ministry: Divine Calling or Career Choice?” Ecclesiology 18, no. 3
(2022): 319–336. https://brill.com/view/journals/ecso/18/3/article-p319_005.xml.
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.
— 1 Timothy 3:1–7
— Matthew 7:22–23
— Romans 12:6–8
— 2 Timothy 1:6
— 1 Samuel 16:7
— Psalm 78:70–71
— Esther 4:14
— 1 Corinthians 12:15–18
Tripp, Paul David. Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry.
Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012.
