In this series of postings, I’m slowly working my way through Charles Bridges’ classic book Christian Ministry.
Response to Chapter 2 of Christian Ministry
(Charles Bridges)
In Chapter 2, Bridges writes about the dignity of being called to lead God’s people and the corresponding responsibility such leaders carry. In this posting I respond to Bridges’ concept of the “Christian Ministry.”
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Called to Leadership
Clearly God’s people, the Old Testament people of God and the New Testament people of God, have leaders who lead them. Gathered congregations of followers of Christ, churches, have leaders who “watch over their souls” and give an account to God (“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account” Hebrews 13:7).
Bridges calls these people “Christian Ministers.” He refers to “the Christian Ministry” as “an institution – introduced into the world, and confirmed to the Church” (pg 8). He calls that a “sacred ” (pg 9) and “high office” (pg 11).
I understand the concept of “the ministry” differently from Bridges. I’m convinced a study of the term used in the New Testament leads to an understanding of ministry that differs from Bridges. If I’m right, a new question arises – just how are we to understand the role of those who are “leaders” of the people of God.
The answer to this question lies, I believe, in a Biblical understanding of the concept of “calling.” Ephesians 4:7-16, the text Bridges calls the “most comprehensive view of Christian ministry” clearly teaches that God intends every believer to be involved in doing the “work of ministry” (ergon diakonias). Some believers are called by God, equipped by the Spirit with the necessary gifts, and given by Christ to his Church to lead or shepherd his people.
Part of the problem is our English language. In English we have two words – “serve” and “minister.” “Serve” is a general word, “minister” generally refers to leadership in a church. “Servant” and “Minister” denote two very different things to most English speakers. In the New Testament, there is only one word (diakonos).
An office worker “serves God / ministers” by doing what God has called him or her to do faithfully. A person God has called to lead a Church “serves God / ministers” in the same way – by faithfully doing what God has called him to do – lead the people of God.
The focus of the New Testament is not on the “office” and “institution” of the Christian ministry. Rather it is on the faithful completion or fulfillment of the “work” (ergon) God has called a person to do. This comes from study of Jesus’ life and Paul’s life.[1]
So Bridges is correct, it is both a wonderful honor to serve God (minister) by leading the people of God[2] and it carries with it an awesome responsibility.[3] But this is not primarily because of the glory and dignity of the office, but because of the seriousness of the calling.
[1] For example, Jesus said, the night before his death, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” John 17:4; Paul testified, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus” Acts 20:24
[2] consider, for example, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” 1 Tim 5:17
[3] Those who lead and teach God’s people “will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1).
