Philosophy of Ministry

Nicolas Chaij
September 23, 2015

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Theology of Ministry
Theology is the study of God. Keeping that in mind, my theology of ministry is grounded
in who I believe my God is and extends to how I view my pastoral role. As a pastor, I will by
definition be involved with the church. What is the church though? It is Christs. He is the rock
(Matt 16:18). the cornerstone (Eph 2:20), and the foundation for the church which is built,
supported, and dwelt in by Gods Spirit, made for Him to do so (Eph 2:19-22; 1 Cor 3:9-11, 16).
This relationship between God and church is one of highest intimacy, likened to the deepest level
of relational intimacy we have: marriage (Eph 5:25-27). The church is Gods and He is deeply in
love with it. In fact, Scripture portrays Christ as so intimate with it that it is called His Body
(1:22-23).
This has implications for how church structure should be viewed. First of all, it shows a
need for unity, but also members with different gifts, talents, personalities, and perspectives (Eph
4:11-16). And, as a body grows and adapts, the church has no prescribed Biblical model for its
structure. It has always adjusted its structure when needed (Acts 6, 15). In Adventism, the
church fathers did not decide on an organizational form based on any particular biblical
model . . . what dictated the need for organization was a list of pragmatic necessities.1 But,
while God wishes us to harness the powers of the mind to organize the church, it is important to
always remember that as Christs body, the church depends on him for its existence. He is the
source of the church . . . [and] the power that sustains it.2
For any pastor, it is important to remember Gods relation to the church. He loves it, and a pastor
1. Barry Oliver. "Organized for Purpose - Ministry Magazine." Ministry Magazine. February

1,2010.
2. Richard Rice. Reign of God: An Introduction to Christian Theology from a Seventh-Day

Adventist Perspective. 2nd ed. (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 1997), 215.

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is called to follow His master and do as He does. It must also be remembered that Jesus is the
Head of the church. A pastor is part of the Body, and his role is a gift from God not based on
personal merit (Eph 4:11). The call to be a pastor is one to serve the body, equipping it to
minister to the world (4:12). He should do this in a way that best serves it, adapting the structure
and method to best fit the congregation as the Spirit leads. The truth is, a pastor is called to
discipleship as any other member of the church. And what is discipleship? It is the vision of
togetherness that Christ prayed for in John 17. Discipleship is fulfilling the Gospel Commission
(Matt 28:18-20). It is unifying with God and His other children. Discipleship is, simply,
following Jesus. Ellen White gave a beautiful picture of discipleship when she wrote
After the descent of the Holy Spirit the disciples went forth to proclaim a risen Saviour,
their one desire the salvation of souls. They rejoiced in the sweetness of the communion
with saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, willing to make any sacrifice for
the truths sake. In their daily association with one another they revealed the love that
Christ had commanded them to reveal. By unselfish words and deeds they strove to
kindle this love in other hearts.
The believers were ever to cherish the love that filled the hearts of the apostles after the
descent of the Holy Spirit. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new
commandment: As I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34. So
closely were they to be united to Christ that they would be enabled to fulfill His
requirements. The power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness was
to be magnified.3
Disciples, pastors included, follow Christ for a reason. We follow Him because He saved us. He
ransomed us from the captivity of sin we were hopelessly trapped in (Mark 10:45). Romans
3:21-26 demonstrates that Jesus came and fulfilled the law so that Gods righteousness may be
seen in us, despite the fact we do not match up to the law, and then died for us to prove that God
is just and merciful. Ephesians 2:4-10 fleshes this picture of God out, in essence saying He loves
us so much that He completed the work of salvation while we were still messed up. Then, as He
3. Ellen Gould Harmon White. Counsels for the Church: A Guide to Doctrinal Beliefs and

Christian Living. (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press, 2002), 43.3-4.

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saves us, He elevates us so that in eternity we can be examples of His love. All of this, including
our faith in it, is a gift. Our saving faith comes through the divine power of the Word and is the
gift of Gods grace.4 When we accept it we are transformed by Him into people capable of
performing the good works Hes planned for us to do, capable of being disciples.
Pastors especially need to keep in mind the fact that no goodness stems from us. More than
anyone, a pastor must keep in mind that Christian sanctification is tied tightly to a growth in
awareness by Christians that they still need to be reconciled, healed, and disciplined (Heb. 12:313) in a myriad of ways and at a myriad of levels.5 Pastors cannot think of themselves as better
than their fellow members of the Body. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom
3:23). We cannot save ourselves from sin. Only a new life from above, a power working inside
us, can change us from being sinful to being holy. That power is Christ. His grace alone can give
life to our dead souls and draw us to God and holiness.6 A pastor must ever keep in mind the
fact he is a sinner saved by grace and upheld by God.
The truth that the pastor is no better than his congregation is key to understanding
spiritual leadership. 1 Timothy 3:1 says anyone desiring to be a pastor desires a noble task. The
position is noble, not the person. So many view the position as their right when in reality it is
something above them, for which they are incapable of being fit for apart from Christs merits. 1
Timothy 3 is a double-edged sword; it reminds pastors that there is a high standard set for them
while also showing where Christ wants to take them. The requirements it sets out for pastors are
4. General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists "28 Fundamental Beliefs." www.adventist.org.

2015. (accessed September 24, 2015).

5. Brian Brock. "Discipleship as living with God, or wayfinding and Scripture." JSFSC 7, no. 1

(2014 2014): 22-34. ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials, EBSCOhost (accessed
September 15, 2015).
6. Ellen Gould Harmon White. Steps to Jesus. (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald, 1997),
12.4 - 13.1

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impossible for anyone to reach on their own. Yet, that is what God has called them to be. In that
is a veiled message of how deep their relationship must be with Him. They are not better than
their congregation, but they have a standard set upon them they will never reach without a heartchanging bond with Him. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required
(Luke 12:48). Everyone to whom God entrusts the position of pastor, from him a deep
relationship with God is paramount.
Spiritual leadership is characterized by two more key traits: service and prayer. Pastors are called
to follow the One who fed thousands, washed feet, cared for children, and taught lovingly.
Spiritual leaders need to keep Matthew 20:27 in mind. Whoever would be great needs to be a
servant. And, whoever would be a true servant leader needs prayer. Jesus went time and again to
pray alone (Mark 6:46; Luke 6:12; 9:28), and pastors should follow His example.
The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every
difficulty a call to prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the great Source of all
wisdom. Strengthened and enlightened by the Master Worker, they will be enabled to
stand firm against unholy influences and to discern right from wrong, good from evil.
They will approve that which God approves, and will strive earnestly against the
introduction of wrong principles into His cause.7
In light of all of this, I believe a pastor should constantly be seeking to serve. It is important that
he preach, but he should preach with intentional purpose for the congregation he serves. He
should strive to have an impeccable character, not for the sake of personal goodness, but for the
sake of directing those who look to him to the One who is forming him. As a disciple of Christ
he should go and make disciples of all (Matt 28:19), directing them to his Friendand it is
important that Jesus be his friendand Saviour. A pastor must lead, he must teach, he must
guide, he must inspire, he must council, he must organize, he must defend, he must convict, but
7. Ellen Gould Harmon White. The Story of Prophets and Kings: As Illustrated in the Captivity

and Restoration of Israel. (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press, 2005), 31.3

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above all he must follow God. The Lord has much for a pastor to do. In everything, he should see
a call to prayer. That is above all, the greatest need for a pastor in ministry.

Ministry Skills and Experience

When I was twelve I began to be involved with the church as a junior deacon, a role I
filled for six years. This gave me a chance to experience practical service within the church
collecting offering, setting up and assisting with the ordinance of humility, being available when
needed for anything, and even helping serve the bread and wine for communion on a couple of
occasions. This involvement with the church culminated in being ordained as a deacon.
While being involved with deaconing gave me an introduction to practical service in the
church, my biggest step into ministry came my junior year of high school. I was my class pastor
and a part of the campus ministries team and began to run a weekly Bible study. My senior year,
I continued the study, now the Student Council Pastor. While that continued, I also worked with
the school chaplain and local churches to organize monthly high school vespers, which
previously had been twice a year. I helped plan and execute most of these, speaking and leading
out more than once, giving me a start with preaching and teaching. Furthering my introduction to
preaching, a skill I have a ways to grow in, I spoke at a local retirement home twice and at my
schools chapel service.
Amidst my experience in spiritual leadership at my school I was also blessed with the
chance to go on two mission trips, one to Ecuador and one to Panama. Both gave me a broader
perspective of life, and strongly impressed upon me Gods character. Working with the people in
both countries to build churches was an experience I would not trade for the world. They were
the most genuine and loving people, and from what little they had they shared with us spoiled
Americans without complaint. Later, I learned that in Panama the poverty was even more severe

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than what we saw, and Im sure the same was true in Ecuador, yet still they gave. I went to serve,
but left feeling awed by the people.They did me the real service, showing me what Christian
hospitality looks like and inspiring me with their faith.

Spiritual Gifts
A spiritual gift is an ability given by God and surrendered to Him for the edification of
the church. In other words, whether at birth or new birth, they are things God gives us to serve
Him. Lists describing spiritual gifts are found and addressed in Ephesians 4, Romans 12, and 1
Corinthians 12-14. In my case, it seems God decided to give me the gifts of leadership, teaching,
and knowledge naturally. I also see areas in my life where He is actively growing me as a person
and cultivating new gifts, giving me evidence He is not through with me.
I have always had an affinity for leadership. Problem solving, creative thinking,
communicating in a successful and compelling way; to me, these are a way of thought, not
something I had to learn. And, when it comes to teaching I find a special joy in sharing
something new or exciting I have learned or explaining a topic to someone and watching as the
look of confusion clears from their face. God has also blessed me with knowledge, a gift that has
helped me in my academic career, and in many ways contributes to my ability to lead and teach.
In tandem, my gifts encourage me that God has been equipping me from the start to be a
pastor. My gifts will allow me to encourage the flock, to deliver the message with power and
conviction, touching hearts and opening minds, and to motivate people to lean upon Christ.
Despite this, He constantly reminds me of my need to grow. I am a leader learning to listen, a
teacher constantly being tempered by a growing love for people, and a man of knowledge slowly
being shown the way of wisdom. I am not perfect, but God is faithful and I know He is not
through with me, constantly transforming me from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor 3:18).

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Temperament and Personality
My personality in the Myers-Briggs classification is ENFP. I love life and the people and
experiences that make it up. I thrive off interacting with others, and strangers hold no terror for
me. Meeting someone new is an adventure, and building relationships is something that brings
me joy. My enthusiasm for people has positive and negative implications for ministry. I readily
and easily seek and connect with new people. However, I may find myself connecting with so
many people that I lose track of some. Along with that is the need to fight my tendency to speak
rather than listen. While the Lord is working on me, I feel He made me to be the warm, outgoing
person I am for the express purpose of connecting with the world around me. As a pastor, I will
be able to relate to those in the congregation in a personal way. They will not just be members,
they will be a family to me.
My personality type also affects the way I take in and interact with the world. I tend to
see things uniquely, noticing more than the face value. At heart Im a storyteller, capable of
presenting things in a way that engages the mind and the heart. The Word is rich, and full of so
much that many pass over. Our hearts do not tend naturally toward Scripture. That is why I am
thankful for the storytelling ability God has created me with, allowing me to show people the life
in the Word.
Im also an empathetic person, capable of resonating with those around me. I genuinely
feel with them and desire to help them through pain and join them in joy. For my congregation I
will be able to join them in the trials and triumphs in life as someone they feel is with genuinely
them. But, while God has given me a warm heart and thoughtful mind my struggle comes in that
often my heart is the louder of the two. My deep feelings, good and bad, often galvinate me to

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word and action when patience, prayer, and thought is needed. God knew what He was saying
when He said we need to daily surrender ourselves to Him.

Growth Needs and Ministry Goals

In ministry I cannot think of a single thing I do not wish to grow in. However,
specifically is the fact I want more experience in teaching through Bible studies and preaching.
To this end, I am involved with a group that coaches people in giving Bible studies, and
beginning the week of writing this I along with a partner will be giving Bible studies to three
people who have made decisions for baptism. My goal is to give Bible studies at least once each
semester, and to eventually be entirely comfortable with doing so. As for preaching, I am aware
of and will be taking chances to preach in various locations in the area around Andrews
University. I am hoping to preach, similar to giving studies, at least once every semester,
expanding that number to three times at least by the time I graduate. I am remaining open to the
Spirits leading, and praying for the faith and courage to walk through any doors He opens for
my growth.
Personally I am born again but still spiritually maturing, a process that will take an
eternity. By nature I am not a patient man. Recently however, I have been seeing evidence in my
life of Gods work, shocking myself with calm reactions to things the old me would have
snapped at. My goal is to one day engage with people who engrage me in this manner. Above all,
the Lord is breaking down my self-dependence. He blessed me with many capabilities and I have
regrettably found myself leaning to my own strength in life. Praise God that in the past years He
has been forcefully showing me the need to lean on Him. Eventually, I want prayer to be my first
thought in every situation. I still have a lot of growing left, but I know God is changing me ever
into the image He has of me.

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Works Cited
Brock, Brian. "Discipleship as living with God, or wayfinding and Scripture." Journal Of
Spiritual Formation & Soul Care 7, no. 1 (2014 2014): 22-34. ATLA Religion Database
with ATLASerials, EBSCOhost (accessed September 15, 2015).
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists "28 Fundamental Beliefs." www.adventist.org.
2015. (accessed September 24, 2015).
Oliver, Barry. "Organized for Purpose - Ministry Magazine." Ministry Magazine. February 1,
2010.
Rice, Richard. Reign of God: An Introduction to Christian Theology from a Seventh-Day
Adventist Perspective. 2nd ed. Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 1997.
White, Ellen Gould Harmon. Counsels for the Church: A Guide to Doctrinal Beliefs and
Christian Living. Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press, 2002.
White, Ellen Gould Harmon. Steps to Jesus. Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald, 1997.
White, Ellen Gould Harmon. The Story of Prophets and Kings: As Illustrated in the Captivity
and Restoration of Israel. Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press, 2005.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ),

copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by

permission. All rights reserved.