DEFINITION OF THE PURPOSE OR PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

part two

With these theological considerations in mind, we ask ourselves,

"HOW DO WE ‘DO’ MINISTRY?’

And the term that is common in ministry circles today is ‘philosophy."

1A PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

The philosophy of ministry is the application of our theology in the context of ministry. It answers questions like Why? How? And What?

• "A system of principles for guidance in practical affairs."
• "A system of principles that form the underlying biblical, theological foundation upon which one’s actions and practices are based."

One definition that has been given for POM is "the formulated system or belief regarding the ministry of the local church." It seeks to answer questions such as "What is the purpose of our ministry?" How do we accomplish this? We are thankful that the Lord has answered these questions and has left us a manual for ministry. Ephesians 4:11-16.

2A THE PRESUPPOSITIONS OF OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe that the Bible is God’s inerrant Word, and thus it has total authority over what we believe and how we act. The Bible teaches that it is instantly and sovereignly inspired by God and is therefore to be submitted to as His living Word addressed to us. Isaiah 55:11, Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21

We believe that the church is God’s fundamental instrument in this age through which he communicates His saving grace. Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 4:11-12.

We believe that the church is to have a God-centered focus in all its ministries, striving to bring honor and glory to the God who brought it in to existence. First Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 5:11,14, Colossians 3:23.

We believe that the local church is the primary source of maturity to believers. Ephesians 4:11-12

We believe that the church’s mission of world proclamation of the gospel is still unfinished. Acts 1:1-8 and Matthew 24:14. There are still children / youth who are still living in this area and need to know about the Lord Jesus Christ.

3A GENERAL PURPOSES AND GOALS

1B Our Purpose

• 1C Definition: that for which we were made and for which we ultimately strive.
• 2C Maximum Purpose: To glorify God and bring honor to His name by being conformed to the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 43:7, Romans 8:29, 15:5-6, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:9, 1 Peter2:21, and 1 John 2:6, 3:2.

2B Our Goal

• 1C Definition: a series of stepping-stones by which we reach a purpose; accomplishable, attainable and measurable by time and performance.

• 1C: To teach the whole counsel of Scripture, focusing on a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Desiring to excite a love for God’s Word and his church.
• Bigelow Church Elders have clearly stated their position what we mean by salvation. Grace Alone, Christ alone, Faith alone. And we want to be sure in the matter of presenting salvation to children that we are clear to them.

4A A BIBLICAL STRATEGY (APPROACH) FOR MINISTRY

1B FOR THE PARENT"

The central ministry of Bigelow Church is the continuous imparting of the Scriptures.

FOOTNOTE: This next point is one what we really want to develop

• The youth’s spiritual instruction is the responsibility of the parents. Deuteronomy 6:7 and Ephesians 6:4. Biblically, their responsibility lengthens further than just seeing that children receive instruction. The primary emphasis of our children’s ministry is to support the biblical position of the home. In supporting the ministry of the parents, we undertake to be a readily available resource to the home.
• Additionally, the parents are to train up their sons and daughters in the nurture and counsel of the Lord, rather than the church being a competing force or separate entity of influence from the home.
• There are cases where the church has to assist the single mom, or dad, or unsaved parents, or other situations. We will work with those parents as well.
  

2B FOR THE CHILDREN

• We realize that many children are only exposed to Christian teaching in the Sunday Morning time. And since AWANA is moving to Sunday Morning, it’s going to be the only time some children will have Christian teaching, except for those who home school or have their children in a Christian school. Maybe later the small care groups will have a ministry to the children as well.
• Secondly, the Sunday Morning activities are designed to communicate the maximum in spiritual content and application for each developmental age group. AWANA seems to do that well. And AWANA is known for exposing children to Scripture memory and the practical understanding of God’s Word.

3B FOR THE CHURCH:

• To teach children from the earliest age the full character of God.
• To present the gospel to all children, praying that God will save them
• To introduce and develop the concept of worship through example and practice, to encourage a respectful response to God.
• To teach the Lordship of Jesus Christ which is an outflow of true salvation.
• To teach and model practical application of the Word through the process of discipleship to adults and youth and be are a resource to them. It’s more than just teaching a lesson in the class room, but modeling the lesson in life.
• To intercede on behalf of children and adults through prayer.
• To assist parents in the training of their children and be a resource to them. That is, to be available to parents outside the class room.
• To provide an atmosphere where adults can develop their gifts and abilities in ministry. Christian Education and Spiritual giftedness.
• To provide a clean, and loving atmosphere for every child committed to our care.
• To provide an attractive, charming, and challenging place for children to desire to learn about God. They will desire to come back next week.
  
  
  Drafted by Charles E. Whisnant Proof Read by Charity Whisnant