HOW TO BE A MINISTER
by Richard Burkard
Some words mean different things to different people - and that's also true when it comes to religious terms between denominations. A recent video sermon from a Church of God group reminded me of one term where the perspectives can vary quite a bit.
The title of the sermon was, "What Do You Mean, Minister?" The COG preacher didn't come out and exactly say it, but he clearly meant an ordained minister - one with a proper title, confirmed by the laying-on of hands.
In mainstream denominations, the title is expanded substantially. A major downtown church in my city posts on its outside signs, "Ministers: all members." The Pastor's name is nowhere to be found! Yet by and large, Church of God spinoff groups have argued against this concept of a "priesthood of all believers."
Where does the truth lie on this issue - not in terms of church tradition, but the Bible? We pulled out a concordance and started taking some notes in a word study. We found the duty of a "minister" can go far beyond someone speaking in a pulpit on a weekend.
Who served first?
When many Church of God groups see the verb "minister" in Scripture (especially the King James Version), they explain it means "serve" or "servant" - and then the word "minister" is hardly heard again in the discussion. It's as if the word is one of those "Protestant" terms that "true Christians" should avoid. Yet a form of the word appears in the Bible dozens of times.
To be fair, a "minister" indeed can be a servant. The first time the word appears in the Bible, it has that intent - "Moses went up, and his minister Joshua" (Ex. 24:13; see also Josh. 1:1). The New International Version substitutes the word "aide." We know of no case where Joshua preached to Moses. Yet he was a minister - a title we might compare to modern government officials such as "Foreign Minister" or "Minister of Trade."
Yet ministers were around long before the time of Moses. They were called angels, who are described as "ministering spirits" in Hebrews 1:14 -- spirits which ministered to Jesus after the temptation in the wilderness (Mt. 4:11/Mk 1:13).
At the Tabernacle
The video sermon said the first understanding of "ministers" in the Old Testament involves priests. While that wasn't quite true with Joshua, priests certainly had such duties. Consider all that was involved....
* They held a specific office (Ex. 28:1-4, KJV) -- as ministers of God (Joel 1:9, 13).
* Their office was consecrated (Ex. 29:44).
* They served in a special location - "in the Holy Place" (Ex. 28:43, 29:30).
* They even lived in a special designated location (Neh. 10:39; Ezek. 45:4).
* They wore special garments, on orders from God (Ex. 31:10, 35:19; Ezek. 42:14).
* They used special articles and tools (Num. 3:31, 4:12; Heb. 9:21).
* They presented offerings to God (Ex. 30:20; Neh. 10:36; Ezek. 46:24).
But the priests had one other important thing in common. They all were Levites, as "the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister before him forever" (I Chr. 15:2, NIV). And Old Testament rules put restrictions on the Levites, with direct priestly duties only allowed between ages 25-50 (Num. 8:23-26) -- although they could be "assistant priests" beyond that.
Yet even then, we can see exceptions developing. In the Old Testament, the biggest one is little Samuel: "the boy ministered before the Lord under Eli the priest" (I Sam. 2:11, 3:1) -- even wearing a little robe made by his mother, seemingly like today's youth league athletes wearing major-league look-alike uniforms (2:18).
What Did Jesus Do?
Then comes the New Testament - and the One who said He "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister...." (Mt. 20:28) Of course, this refers to Jesus, who "came as high priest of the good things...." (Heb. 9:11) The rest of that verse has a wide range of translations, but that's not our focus in this study.
There were ministers in Jesus's day, serving in the synagogues (Lk. 4:20) -- but the Greek word for "minister" there means "subordinate"; this was also an assistant, similar to the young Samuel.
The understanding of what makes a ministry seems to broaden sharply from this point on. While prophets and teachers still were involved in ministry (Acts 13:1-2; 21:19), suddenly the New Testament describes ruling authorities as "ministers of God" (Rom. 13:4, 6) - people who probably weren't Levites, or perhaps even believing Christians. And entire church congregations are described as having a ministry (Heb. 6:9-10). The idea of wearing special clothes and living in a separated area disappears.
So what happened to cause this? Clearly the rules changed, when Jesus called 12 ordinary men to be His disciples/apostles. It seems logical to assume none of the 12 were Levites; else they would have had temple assignments. Paul later declared his lineage goes back to Benjamin (Rom. 11:1) -- and he was made a minister by Jesus (Acts 26:16; I Tim. 1:12).
The Jesus Christ who is "the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb. 13:8) changed the rules for who could serve as a minister. In fact, His birth to Mary was proof of that. A long passage in Hebrews explains a shift to the Melchizadec priesthood, because "our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests" (7:14; compare Mt. 1:3, 16).
Do You Qualify?
Who can be a minister today? The answer is all-encompassing. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:11-12 that people with titles such as "apostle" and "pastor" should "prepare God's people for works of service...." according to the NIV. The King James says they're being perfected "for the work of the ministry...."
In the days of Moses, people who dared to talk this way were proven to be rebels. A group of Levites led by Korah argued, "The whole community is holy, every one of them...." (Num. 16:3) Moses perceived this as a power grab, to gain the priesthood (v. 10) -- and God quickly showed whose side He was on, by burying Korah's group (vs. 31-33).
Some Church of God ministers have cited this as evidence that not everyone in a congregation can be a minister. But the New Testament changes the understanding on this - because Peter writes God's elect are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation...." (I Pet. 2:9) Some ministers might point to verse 5 of that chapter and say it's a process that's still incomplete. But Paul writes even children "are holy" -- now -- if only one parent believes in Jesus (I Cor. 7:14).
(Note how the title of "priest" disappears from church leadership after the book of Acts - but the concept of a priesthood does not.)
The issue with Korah's clan wasn't that they desired to be ministers. As Levites, they already were. The issue was in lusting for the top position - and they "became insolent" (Num. 16:1, NIV). Perhaps recalling this moment, Moses later warned, "The man who shows contempt for the judge or for the priest who stands ministering there to the Lord your God must be put to death" (Deut. 17:12).
So if everyone is in training for ministry in a church congregation, does that mean every member becomes ordained and joins the speaking schedule? Not necessarily. Paul put it this way in I Corinthians 12:4-5: "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, but the same Lord" (NASB).
Even in Old Testament times, ministry roles took many forms. Some Levites served as gatekeepers, "ministering in the temple of the Lord...." (I Chr. 26:12). Others served as musicians assigned by King David, praising the Lord (6:31-32; II Chr. 7:6) -- showing the idea of "music ministries" and "praise teams" does have Biblical precedent, and isn't really that new-fangled a concept.
A Woman's Place
And perhaps even more shocking for Church of God groups - women can have a role in ministry!
This also has some Old Testament precedent, as Abishag "ministered" to King David (I Kng. 1:3-4). Admittedly, this was outside the temple -- but that's also where a group of women ministered to Jesus and the original disciples. "These women were helping to support them out of their own means" (Lk. 8:3; see also Mt. 27:55). We can assume they at least provided financial support.
But we should note there's no New Testament example of women serving in ministerial duties over congregations, such as a pastor or an evangelist. A few Biblical women had the title "prophetess," which in the case of Deborah included a leadership role over Israel (Judg. 4:4). But while she advised and sang a song of praise during her two chapters in the spotlight, we don't really find Deborah preaching.
Women are encouraged to be teachers in the New Testament (Tit. 2:3), and it appears Priscilla did that in partnership with her husband Aquila in their home. But based on I Timothy 2, Paul considered a worship service a different situation. "A woman must listen quietly in church and be perfectly submissive; I allow no woman to teach or dictate to men, she must keep quiet" (I Tim. 2:12, Moffatt translation).
This may seem old-fashioned in the 21st century, but we cannot ignore Paul's advice to the Corinthians: "As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.... it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church" (I Cor. 14:33-35). Some make a "time and place" argument, that Paul only meant this for one group of people at that particular moment in history. But if you chisel away at the New Testament there, where do you stop?
The Job Description
Now that we've seen who can be a minster, let's consider more closely what a minister does. Some pastors like to describe their duties with the words of Paul in II Corinthians 1:24. "Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy...." Old Testament priests had the privilege "to pronounce blessings in his [God's] name forever" (I Chr. 23:13).
We've already seen that Old Testament priests presented offerings - but New Testament ministers are shown doing even more. Paul offers two lists of good ministerial traits, including one built around what hypocritical ministers do....
* They allow marriage, not forbid it (I Tim. 4:3).
* They allow the eating of some particular foods (verses 3-5).
* They follow "the truths of the faith" (verse 6).
* They avoid "godless myths and old wives' tales" (verse 7).
* They put no stumbling blocks of offense in the way of others (II Cor. 6:3).
* They work hard (verse 5).
* They keep themselves pure (verse 6).
* They speak "truthful speech" (verse 7).
* They're "poor.... having nothing, and yet possessing everything" (verse 10).
We should not overlook perhaps the minister's most vital job of all. Part of truthful speech is what Paul called "the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God...." (Rom. 15:16; see also Eph. 3:7 and I Thes. 3:2) Peter says the Old Testament prophets even do this, to the modern New Testament church. "It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you [KJV "they did minister"], when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit...." (I Pet. 1:10-12)
This is what the first group of apostles seemed to mean by "the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). The words they spoke (and today's ministers speak) should build others up, and "minister grace to the hearers" (Eph. 4:29, KJV). Hmmmm - grace? As opposed to law? That would go along with the idea of being "ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter, but of the Spirit...." (II Cor. 3:6)
Ministry FAQ's
Now for some "frequently asked questions" about ministry. At least I've asked them, during my years attending church groups - and maybe they've crossed your mind as well.
Q: Can there be a "family line" of ministers, with sons or daughters succeeding fathers?
A: There's Biblical precedence for that, from the Levites and the successor to Aaron (Deut. 10:6). But this is not a mandatory thing -- because there's no Biblical evidence of the apostles having children, to follow in their work.
When Joseph Tkach Jr. became Pastor-General of the Worldwide Church of God on the death of his father, no one seemed to make an issue of this. But when Joseph Tkach Sr. succeeded Herbert Armstrong in 1986, some apparently did. A sermon tape was sent from Pasadena to all congregations, explaining how there is not always a family line. (I recall a Garner Ted Armstrong quote at the time, openly wondering why with "my lineage" he was not named Pastor-General.)
Q: Should ministers make a big deal about family lines or genealogies?
A: The apostle Paul's answer is no. He wrote such things "minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith...." (I Tim. 1:4) So if a modern minister can't trace his roots back to Aaron or Levi, that seems to be OK.
Q: How does someone know he's "called" to ministry?
A: It appears to be a matter of someone in ministry doing the selection. Jesus seemed to know which disciples He wanted, and chose them personally. Elijah added a little more flavor, by throwing a cloak at Elisha (I Kng. 19:19-21).
Q: Are food ministries acceptable?
A: Apparently so, since God does it. "Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown...." (II Cor. 9:10, KJV) One of the first disputes of the New Testament church involved widows receiving a "daily ministration" of food - or as NIV puts it, a distribution (Acts 6:1).
Q: Can ministry include "mission trips?"
A: Yes. Saul/Paul went on several - including one where he and Barnabas "fulfilled their ministry" (Acts 12:25).
Q: Is it wrong for a minister to refer to it as his own - "my ministry?"
A: I was personally uncomfortable with this for years. After all, isn't it God's ministry being done through human instruments? But Paul wrote to Timothy: "discharge all the duties of your ministry" (II Tim. 4:5). Two chapters earlier, Paul even uses the phrase, "my gospel" (2:8) - yet believers understand Paul wasn't preaching about himself, but about Jesus.
Q: Does the devil have his own ministers?
A: Yes -- and we need to be careful to discern one from the other. Remember what we mentioned above about angels? "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers [NIV servants] also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness...." Paul adds their "end shall be according to their works" (II Cor. 11:15).
Is It Right for You?
Should everyone in a congregation have a ministry, then? While we've shown all have the qualifications, I'm not prepared to say everyone has to do it now.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to us," Paul wrote in Romans 12:6-7. But then come some "if" phrases: "If a man's gift is prophesying.... if it is serving [KJV ministry].... if it is teaching...." Paul indicates in I Cor. 11:29-31 that not everyone is blessed with every gift.
The WCG made a big deal in the mid-1990's about having members identify spiritual gifts -- in others, if not themselves. Spinoff groups don't tend to do this, but perhaps they should. It can build up a congregation, encourage the growth of ministerial projects (I Pet. 4:10-11) and even promote a "ministry of reconciliation" (II Cor. 5:18).
Millennial Ministers
But in the coming Kingdom of God, the Bible indicates ministry will increase. Consider the song of the 24 elders in heaven to Jesus the Lamb: "....With your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God...." (Rev. 5:9-10)
The redeemed (hopefully including you) will be priests, as in Levites - as the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah was told, "I will make the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister before me as countless as the stars of the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore." (Jer. 33:22) Isaiah adds, "You will be called the priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God." (Isa. 61:6)
So if someone tries to tell you a "minister" is someone wearing a robe or regularly giving sermons in a church service, that can be true. But if that person claims those are the only persons who are ministers, remember some of the things we've mentioned here. Jesus not only ripped open a veil in the temple, through his death - He opened wide the opportunities for ministry among believers. If God leads you to serve in ways large or small, do as Paul suggests in Romans 12:6-7 (CEV), and "do it according to the amount of faith we have."
To respond to this article, e-mail the author directly.
© 2008 Richard Burkard, All Rights Reserved.