WISE MASTERBUILDERS IN MINISTRY

God gives Pastors unto the churches. This is Christ’s exaltation privilege. Ephesians 4:11. He owns the church on the basis of His blood. Acts 20:28. Not only does Christ give pastors unto the churches. Christ also equips each pastor with a mission.

Wise Masterbuilding is accomplished when a church perceives the Mission of it’s pastor.

I. GOD GIVES PASTORS A MINISTRY MISSION

This has been Gods practice. He gives each man a Mission to perform. Acts 13:25 in reference to John the Baptist. II.Timothy 4:7 in reference to Paul. Exodus 3:1-2 Moses.

The Pastor has a course to perform or fulfill for God. Jonah 1-4.

This course becomes his mission in ministry.

The Pastor in not to neglect the ministry he has received. Colossians 4:17.

The Pastor is not to neglect the Ministry Gift he has received of God, which enables him to fulfill God’s will. I.Timothy 4:14.

II. THE CHURCH NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF THEIR PASTOR’S MISSION

The Scriptures state; Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

In order for the pastor and church to advance, not only should the Pastor perceive his mission. the church as well should understand their pastor’s ministry mission.

Paul explained his mission ministry, unto the Pastors of Ephesus. Acts 20:17,24.

The pastor should explain his ministry unto the church. And the church should join in unity, yielding their diversity to help the church function as a body. I.Thessalonians 5:12, 13 & I.Corinthians 12:12-25.

This will help the church fulfill God’s will in bringing glory unto Christ in the church. Ephesians 3:20-21.

III. THE PASTOR & CHURCH SHOULD BE FULFILLING THE MISSION

Ephesians 2:10 states Christians have particular works of which God has ordained. The Pastor and Church should be fulfilling this work.

The Ministry Mission of Pastor Chaffin is "GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO THE LIFE."

Acts 20:32 states that the Word of God builds up the Christian.

And of course, the faith to believe in Christ comes from hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17.

The Pastor is to preach the Gospel. Romans 1:16. Therefore the church should be involved in getting the Gospel out.

The Pastor is to teach the Word of God. I.Timothy 1:3b. Therefore, the church should be studying the Word of God. And the church should be aware that listening to the preached Word, is the way to learn God’s Word. Titus 1:3a.

"GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTo LIVES." is Pastor Chaffin’s ministry mission. Al that he does as the Pastor, is for the purpose of "GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO LIVES." The church then, should realize their ministry is for the purpose of "GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO LIVES OF PEOPLE."

WISE MASTERBUILDING IN VISITATION

I.Corinthians 3:10

A Wise Masterbuilder purposefully contemplates his building.

His efforts are not haphazard, they are deliberate. Visitation is to be purposeful as well. Therefore, it is to be intentionally carried out.

I. Intentional Ministry: Visitation:

Visitation at Ocala Baptist Temple, is intentional and active. There are three specific areas, of which intentional energy needs to be applied.

Visits made to Membership of the Church.

Those who are discouraged, defeated, and in despair.

Those who are not participating in the life and mission of the church.

Those who are new to the church.

Those sick and in the hospital, even homebound, etc.....

Visits made to the unchurched of our community.

Those who are not going anywhere.

They can be friends, neighbors, associates, etc....

They can be new moves in our community.

Visits made to the lost of our community.

Those who are lost.

Those who are religious.

Those who are neglected.

There needs to be visiting units which make up the three areas of visitation. This will be balance in ministry. This will help reach the community with efficiency.

II. The Visitation Needs To Be SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.

The visitation needs to be shared among the Pastor and the membership. Pastor and members alike, taking on the responsibility of the three areas of visitation.

People need to be organized under the three areas of Visitation.

Church membership visitation.

Unchurched visitation ministry.

Lost visitation ministry.

Visitation Ministry must be understood.

The visitation focuses on the person.

The person needs to be sought out in their home, place of work, places of recreation.

The person must be since real concern about them.

The person should hear about God’s working in your life, your hopes and vision.

Win them to God and His will for their life.

The person is reached on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ.

III. THE VISITATION MUST BE EFFECTIVE.

The effectiveness of the ministry depends upon certain principles.

Visitation principles.

Decide upon no more than three objectives to reach in the visit.

Decide on the exact time you will leave.

Pray that will receive your visit as genuine.

Dress as a Christian. The first impression cannot be made twice.

Begin the visit with who they are, not about you.

Focus on the Lord. Do not talk about church unless they do. When you do talk about church, deal on the dynamics of the church. The fellowship, the preaching of the Word, the music.

End the visit by focusing on them, not by making excuses for you leaving such as, "I have to go." "I have a meeting." Rather leave by stating, " I have really enjoyed this visit." "It has been good to be with you."

The purpose of Pastor and members visiting, is to focus on the souls for whom Christ has died. He, Christ has a valued interest in them. There is no excuse for Christ’s church not being engaged.

PURSUIT OF WORSHIP

"Wise Masterbuilding" is the basis of the ministry, as I lead the church to fulfill the vision, God has given to me. As we minister the "Word of God Into The Life, Dynamic Worship of God," is the focal point of all we do. I.Corinthians 10:31 states, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Worship of God is imperative in all of our lives. We come, not together, for our benefit; but for the worship and glory of God. Ephesians 3:21 states, "Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Notice these truths about Worship;

I. GOD IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP.

Revelation 4:11, deals with the church being gathered in heaven. The church is gathered around the throne. And the throne is resounding with praise unto the Lord.

God is worthy of Worship. Revelation 4:11.

God created all things. All that is, is of God. He has created all things. Colossians 1:16.

Your existence, your being, is of God.

God is to be Worshipped.

The state of worth or worthiness is God’s state of being.

He and He alone, is to be worshipped. Remember Exodus 20:3 God’s first commandment. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

God must be worshipped in our services; not people, not things, not programs. God. God alone!

II. THE SHAPE OF WORSHIP.

What particular shape does true worship reside?

True worship resides in praise of God.

When God is praised, worship is being fulfilled. Psalm 50:23

Christians are called to God’s Praise. Ephesians 1:3-6

III. THE CHARACTERISTIC OF WORSHIP.

The character of worship is seen in scriptural distinctions.

Love. I.John 4:7-8.

Grace. Ephesians 6:24.

Fellowship. I.John 1:3.

The character of worship is seen in the personality of the service.

Knowledge of God’s will. Ephesians 5:14-17.

Spirit-filled singing. Ephesians 5:18-20.

Bold preaching. Ephesians 6:19-20.

Worship services will be the major place, where unchurched persons and newcomers come, to discover whether a congregation will share with them, help and hope in strong, warm and winsome ways.

As we continue to worship God. God will work through us, to perform His eternal purposed, He has purposed in Christ Jesus. He will add individual Christians to this body, as it pleases Him. I.Corinthians 12:18.

WISE MASTERBUILDING IN FELLOWSHIP

I.Corinthians 3:10

Paul purposefully engaged himself in a particular way when he served the Lord. His Spiritual participation was fixed in his life. He knew who he was serving. And he taught Christians to take heed how they served the Lord. I.Corinthians 3:10c.

The goal of Spiritual Fellowship is important. It is Spiritually wise for Christians, to understand true Spiritual Fellowship.

I. THE DEFINITION OF FELLOWSHIP.

The term "fellowship" is mentioned 16 times in the Bible.

It is first mentioned in Leviticus 6:2. In the context it means a pledge, security or deposit.

It, fellowship, means agreeing together; to join in joint participation.

Uniting together in a cause or alliance is the concept underlining fellowship.

It is used in an evil sense. Pslam 94:20-21. II.Corinthians 6:14.

It is used in a righteous sense. Acts 2:42. I.Corinthians 1:9.

II. THE TEACHING OF SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP.

Christians are called unto the fellowship of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. I.Corinthians 1:9.

Christians have fellowship with the Father and with the Son, as well as swith each other. I.John 1:3.

Christians are not to have fellowship, with devils. I.Corinthians 10:20. ( Participation with those who are serving and engaging in things offered unto devils. ) Participation in the Lord’s Supper requires Christians to be separated in their lives.

Christians are not to have fellowship with the unrighteous. ( The unsaved. ) II.Corinthians 6:14.

III. THE DESIGNATED PLACE OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP.

Christians are called unto the fellowship of Christ. I.Corinthians 1:9.

Christ walks or participates in the Church.

Notice Acts 8:3, 9:1-4. Jesus said, when Paul persecuted the church and the disciples. He was persecuting Christ Himself.

Revelation 1:12, 13 states Jesus was in the midst of the candlesticks or the church. 1:20b.

Revelation 2:1 States Jesus walks in the midst of the churches.

Christians are to fellowship with Christ. Significant Christian fellowship is in the church. Christ has not given up on the church. It is where the true sense of belonging is realized.

Participation in the ministry for the Person of Jesus Christ, develops satisfaction and Spiritual fullness. It "is" what every person is seeking. It is realized only when one participates in ministry. Notice Acts 2:42-47.

Every believer needs to realize, that the Church and it’s Ministries, is the place where their sense of individuality is appreciated. It is the place where the meaning and purpose of life is realized. And it is the place where Christians ought to be loving one another. John 13:34-35.

WISE MASTERBUILDING IN LEADERSHIP

I.Corinthians 3:10

Paul’s ministry was characterized by wisdom and discernment. He was an excellent leader. Paul's life inspires Christians. Leadership is essential in ministry. Leaders must not only accomplish work. Leadership must also set forth the example of ministry.

Out of the twelve goals in ministry. Leaders are to set forth the example in 4 main goals;

Pastoral & lay visitation.

Worship of God.

Spiritual fellowship.

Financial stewardship.

Strong Spiritual Leadership generates momentum, to advance the congregation forward. Strong Spiritual Leadership has two main essentials, Execution and Example.

I. EXECUTION.

Leadership are those who effectively accomplish the Goals, that the Pastor has outlined for the Church. These goals are the result of the Vision, God has given the Pastors, for the Church's ministry.

Leaders are to execute their respective ministries competently. Commitment is not enough. Leaders should not only be committed. They must also be competent.

Leaders make their ministries successful. Leaders also shape the future of the ministry, by the way they accomplish their responsibilities today! Leaders must not just try to get "by" in their ministry. They must lead their ministry. I.Corinthians 11:1.

II. EXAMPLE.

Leaders have a different relationship than others in the congregation. They are expected, by virtue of their position, to set the example in ministry. They are to exemplify the way things should be.

Leaders are expected to characterize passion in the 4 main goals the Pastor has outlined for the church;

Visitation burden for those in their respective ministry. ( The leaders should not let people slip out of their function in ministry. Communication should be active and encouraging. ) Passion for the unchurched and lost in the community.

Worshiper of God. Their love for God must be characterized by their Spirituality. Not worldly or fleshly lifestyle, but rather a glowing testimony of The Holy Spirit’s Power. This life is demonstrated in their life and ministry.

Spiritual Fellowship. The leaders life is not to be tainted with the world. The leaders life is to be separated; different from those of the world’s religious system.

Financial Stewardship. Jesus said "it is more blessed to give than to receive." The leader should actively support and exemplify giving in his life and in his ministry.

Leadership is not just filling in the empty slots. Leadership is assuming a responsibility and fulfilling the responsibility competently for the glory of the lord Jesus Christ. I.Corinthians 10:31.

Leadership is not just showing up. Leadership is living up to the leadership standard, of which leaders are expected to exemplify. II.Peter 2:9.

WISE MASTERBUILDING IN DECISION MAKING

I. Corinthians 3:10

Paul made wise decisions that resulted in an established structure. All Christians build upon the structure ( foundation ) of Jesus Christ. It is wise decision making that establishes the structure of ministry.

I. JESUS TAUGHT THE NEED FOR WISDOM IN MAKING DECISIONS.

Churches should use their Intellectual Faculties in formatting ideas. Luke 14:28-30.

Churches should choose out counsel, voluntarily in order to protect themselves from unwise decisions. Luke 14:31-32.

Churches should take the time necessary, to make wise decisions. This is implied in Jesus’ teaching found in Luke 14:28-32.

Churches should focus on the priorities of ministry that are important and also urgent, first. Then focus on those things that are important but not so urgent.

II. THE SCRIPTURAL PROCESS OF DECISION MAKING.

The Word of God, is the authority for faith and practice in decision making. Not the traditions of men. Matthew 15:1-9.

The congregation participates in decision making. An example of this is given in Matthew 18:15-20 & Acts 6:1-7.

the Pastor is vested with the Spiritual Responsibility of leading the Church. Ephesians 4:11-13., I.Thessalonians 5:12-13.

( An example of Pastor and Congregation working together is found in the following scriptures; Acts 12:17, 15:1-31, 21:17-19. James was the Pastor of the Church at Jerusalem. He and the church worked together in the decision making process.

III. ORGANIZATIONAL DECISION MAKING STRUCTURE.

The Mission of the Church is to involve people in reaching the Lost World for Christ. To involve Christians in Worshipping God corporately, and to involve Christians in using their gifts through the ministries of the church for the glory of God.

The church is not to have people so busy, that they cannot be Witness of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the decision making structure must be such, that the church’s goals can be reached, and also such as to allow people time to enjoy Christ.