Ministry in Contemporary Society, Lesson 006
Christian Ministry, Free Course, Lesson 006
Ministry in Contemporary Society
Missions rest upon a foundation of scripture. But mission endeavor also must take into account the process of interfacing with modern cultures. Culture is in itself a neutral concept being, neither right nor wrong, good nor evil. But elements embraced by various cultures may be either a blessing to the Christian witness or a hindrance. The gospel is unique. It fits all people in all time periods and in all cultures. The problem in preaching cross-culturally lies in the preacher and not in gospel content.
The basic task of missions is to preach the gospel. Despite the fact that cultures often oppose the gospel, the gospel can speak within culture. Indigenization and contextualization become means to that end. When entering a different culture than our own we will need to comprehend the character of that culture and the stages of the missionary acculturation process. The actual process of doing missions across cultures is a rather difficult task. The human experience tends to confirm us within our culture which is used as a standard for evaluating the merits of another.
Culture enables the smooth flow of social, political, and economic life. When working within a foreign culture where that flow of life is dictated by another set of experiences the Christian must seek ways to present the gospel as a culture-less message. Some would propose a new gospel and a church structure in order to reach people of the 21st century which is incorrect as gospel is timeless or not time-bound.
What is at issue is the matter of adapting the gospel to a culture without changing the gospel. Whenever human interpretation is invited human contamination is certain to follow. Nevertheless, the missionary must also be aware that certain applications are purely cultural adaptations and are not biblical precepts.
Questions
- What does the term ‘missions’ mean?
- How are individual ministries shaped?
- What have Christians struggled with since the time of the apostles?
- What are Christians called to do?
- What is the relationship between Christian mission and culture?
- What is the standard for measuring culture?
- How can the Christian faith be stated in relation to the faith of others?
- What are contrasting views of missions?
- Detail some of the issues facing both the church and modern missionary movement.
- What are some of the most important skills needed for effective ministry?
- What is the divine quality that underlies missions?
- What are mission strategies?
- What must the missionary accomplish as part of the aforementioned strategy?
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Questions
• What does the term ‘missions’ mean?
The term” mission” means when in our case we as representation of Christ as church leaders and people which has dedicated their life in proclaiming Good News to other cultures and tradition and religion of people who has not heard of Salvation of Christ. Whenever such missions are prepared one always who is a leader ask brothers and sisters for united prayer. In prayer we ask God Yahweh for guidance of Holy Spirit trough Christ our Lord and for Safety and protection of all involved. ..Through this body of Missioners the connection is made through preaching one to one, organising speech or projecting slides and building a foundation in spiritual sense for next mission .
• How are individual ministries shaped?
Individual Ministry is shaped by devotion in Christ and willingness to dedicate and live according to Christ trough Faith ,Hope and Agape. Trough weakly gathering in prayer and ministry in teaching the will and ways that Christ has enlighten us to follow. .By open home church, or by witnessing to people in shopping centres, at work, any stage, of our life. Till we travel and seat in bus we can share the Good News ,visitation to hospitals, prisons, army, police department ,fire brigade. Living an exemplary life Worshiping God Yahweh trough Christ and showing Agape to our neighbour
• What have Christians struggled with since the time of the apostles?
With tradition, culture other religions and mixed pot of nation Christianity had and has even in our days after 2000 years hard times .The pagan tradition which has infiltrated Christianity stands as a stumbling block .Yet it is there many even do not realise that pagan custom like Christmas was worshiped in Babylon Yet even so we know that we even if know from history of Babylon that we to live in Babylon the Great .Satan has planted this seeds in to past counting that not many will awake to the point to realise thy actually worship pagan and not Christ given day to worship Passover.. There is a old saying among the people of all races,” .Old habits die hard”. It is true indeed
• What are Christians called to do?
To live up to Gods word in Salvation of our Saviour who has purchased us from this world for the next in re-establishing Paradise Lost .He-Christ our Saviour the New Adam has given his perfect life in order that each soul who believes in Him to be saved .Trough baptism we wash our sins away and take on a new ourselves to live and follow Christ according to scriptures .Trough education in God’s word of all 66 books of bible in God Yahweh we proclaim our faith in Christ with knowledge that we ask for Holy Spirit to guide us and teach us so this Good News of New Testament of our Lord is Proclaimed worldwide .Amen And then the end of this system of thinks shall come.
• What is the relationship between Christian mission and culture?
Relationship between Christian Mission and Culture is not a friend or enemy, but a proclamation of our Saviour Jesus the New Adam.. It is a neutral territory which has to be observed as such yet one need to understand from Christian Mission view point when preaching that one proclaims Christ our Saviour to that culture. This is done by prayers and asking God Yahweh for guidance by Holy Spirit in Christ. Personal gifts, gifts like bibles or pamphlets clothing and shoes for children .One has to remember the places where the missions are taken are guided by God Yahweh in Christ. All thinks has to be in Godly way
• What is the standard for measuring culture?
Standard of measuring culture is first the age. How long they have been in existence on earth. The historical background is important from viewpoint of better understanding. Every culture has a civilisation which in turn has created their good or bad habits .Culture creates art, soul-searching traditions of nations, religion and customs of nations. Not all cultures on earth are same due to Historical background. Christians worldwide belong to different culture, language groups yet as such how well they teach and observe in Christian way of life.
• How can the Christian faith be stated in relation to the faith of others?
Christian Faith in relation to the faith of others differs because we have a Saviour Jesus Christ who has died on Cross and has been resurrected on the 3-th day .No any other person in History of mankind has done this .Only trough Christ is possible to have .As John the Baptist was Saying “John 1:27 (New International Version)
27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
Trough Christ in Christ alone. There is no other Faith in this world that has a Messiah .Even Satan knows that He Christ is the Son of God and shivers,.
What are contrasting views of missions?
Going on your own in to isolated areas without preparation or prayer .Contradicting in to culture of the people, enforcing people to see our view point acting like tyrant will do only harm.Planing and collecting data based on pre visitation without God is negative.
Detail some of the issues facing both the church and modern missionary movement.
In our days it is struggle among Christians alone to keep up with their Faith The sins of past hunting churches trough out world .The issue is homosexuality, pedofails among priesthood has added to coolness among the faithful, meaning that the love is cooling of .How many times we have heard in the News that Bible needs to adjust to modern times. Or this ,”Christ needs to adjust to people of modern days”. There is great number reduction of priesthood among Christians and there are lot less” man of the cloth “dedicated to serve Christ .Yet people do not look with respect that much on priest of Christ. .Churches are sold out and you will be surprised some have become furniture shops, café shops .This s occurring now, trough out so called world of today .Priest cannot serve full time among people yet thy need to find another employment to be able to support themselves. Just to add that is nothing wrong with that if a priest works in his trade before became a servant of Christ. Missionary’s facing controversial situation trough out non-Christian world. Thy have been used as shield in war situation, somewhere burned at stake, and some killed for example. Out there the opposition to Christianity is indeed strong. We live peaceful life’s yet anty -Christian cels are brainwashed by enemy called “King of Air”.
Matthew 10:28 (New International Version)
28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
• What are some of the most important skills needed for effective ministry?
Relaying on God Yahweh trough Christ in all avenues of preaching and teaching. Understanding the message of New Testament. Why Christ –the New Adam? .The Difference of the New and Old Testament
• What is the divine quality that underlies missions?
Holy Spirit of God YHWH in Christ and Gods word with respect.
• What are mission strategies?
To deliver Good News to people to hear the word of God and to know who is Christ so they can be saved as well._ PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS
• What must the missionary accomplish as part of the aforementioned strategy?
Plant the seed of God in the heart of people.
sir, most respected I AM REAL THANKFUL FROM BOTTOM OF MY HEART SIR FOR THIS FABALOUS OPPURTNITY FOR A POOR PASTOR FROM A VERY POOR COUNTRY PAKISTAN PLEASE E-MIAL ME LESSONS OF THEOLOGY ITS MY HOBBY NOW TO LEARN THEOLOGY
Thanks sir, I am enjoying the materials. Olaseinde Adebowale
Great lesson.
Great Lesson
It is nice to see the truth taught, I work at a “Christian” university and at one time it taught the truth but now it is going post modern and giving into the world, they no longer believe the bible to be the word of God.
Blessings to you.
Excellent material,and by the way,Iam studing my Bth modules and ather readings, they are very instructive, I thank Trinity for such a good material.!
Thank You Sir, I have learned how to call things that has being going on in our faith. Truly, Christianity based in the Bible, and taught by good mentors, it is the bread from heaven.
thank you sir i have lean how to call things that been not to be., by the grace of God through your teaching pls permit me to dawn load more of your messages
The lessons were edifying to my mind and spirit. Dr Phillip your lessons are sound doctrine and having a worship in the house according to the Brethren Distictives “..2 or 3 are gathered God is in the midst…” My faith is growing I belived for a long time worship in the home is worshiping God with other believers is worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth.
1. What does the term ‘missions’ mean?
There is passion behind what you are doing.
2. How are individual ministries shaped?
Through and by the Holy Spirit.
3. What have Christians struggled with since the time of the apostles?
Head knowledge verses Spiritual knowledge.
4. What are Christians called to do?
Matthew 28:19-20….also known as the Great Commission. “Go Ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
5. What is the relationship between Christian mission and culture?
Light and Darkness.
6. What is the standard for measuring culture?
If it feels good….do it. It’s all about me myself and I.
7. How can the Christian faith be stated in relation to the faith of others?
It can’t. A true Christian Faith comes from something in which He or She cannot see. In relation to others….they have a faith in which they do see. The culture does not believe something unless it sees it first. The true Christin Faith believes in Spirit of God in which they do not see. Now mind you I said the TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. I personally do not believe that everyone who says that they are a Christian is a Christian. I believe that there are a lot of lost Christians in the world today. What I mean by lost Christians is folks who would be Christians…..if they were only taught the Truth of the Scripture. They were just not given the chance yet. But they will.
8. What are contrasting views of missions?
To Preach the Gospel to a dieing world
9. Detail some of the issues facing both the church and modern missionary movement.
The biggest issue is that they are both relying on themselves more then God. They say that they rely on God for everything….but this is not true. I see this in my very own back yard. I see churches all around me sending people all over the world…..helping out this country and helping out that country. Giving money for this and building a home for that in other countries. Then I turn on my local news at night and see children without homes 10 miles away from where I live….elderly folks without heat 20 miles away…..men and women losing there jobs and needing money to feed there children 5 miles away….and where are these churches in my area with these big missions….I’ll tell you where they are…..no where. And they want to try and tell me that they are doing the will of God. Somehow I don’t see it. I think if they took care of where they were at…they would be doing God a greater service out in the mission field….then they would if they sent them over seas.
10. What are some of the most important skills needed for effective ministry?
A Personal Relationship With the Holy Spirit and Knowing what that Is.
11. What is the divine quality that underlies missions?
The same answer as given in question 10.
12. What are mission strategies?
To bring folks to Christ through the Holy Spirit.
13. What must the missionary accomplish as part of the aforementioned strategy?
Become very good FARMERS.
What does the term ‘missions’ mean? journey or assignment
How are individual ministries shaped? Ministries are shaped according to the Will of God and the purpose he has for you and the people He puts in place for you to minister or to just be a part of your life.
What have Christians struggled with since the time of the apostles? Christians have struggled with persecution and their right to be free to serve Jesus without compromise.
What are Christians called to do? Christians are called to live holy and to serve.
What is the relationship between Christian mission and culture? Although one may be fully equipped to carry the doctrine of Jesus Christ, he must understand that there are cultures where people have been brought up different. Their beliefs, environment and perceptions could be different, which may put the Christian missionary in a position of warfare, which could also lead to death. However, one’s mindset is neutral toward the other. In order to reach them, you must first start from the natural standpoint of their needs and work from here. Jesus will lead you in what you need to say and where to go from here.
What is the standard for measuring culture? Time
How can the Christian faith be stated in relation to the faith of others? from faith to faith. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith so no matter what another person has faith it, God’s Spirit will open up the understanding and supercede what their natural mind can comprehend.
What are contrasting views of missions?
Going to where you may not want to go. Saying what you may not want to so. Being able to in compromising positions, but getting others to see your point of view.
Detail some of the issues facing both the church and modern missionary movement. Being heard, conflictural differences in interpretation
What are some of the most important skills needed for effective ministry? Spiritual sight and hearing, obedience to the voice of God, knowing the Word of God, patience and humility.
What is the divine quality that underlies missions? Jesus
What are mission strategies? Plan ahead, Watch and pray, Minister the Word of God to lost souls.
What must the missionary accomplish as part of the aforementioned strategy. Focusing on Yahweh’s purpose for your assignment
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your lessons and dedication to your fellow christians in the Lords work!!!
God richly bless you for such a great lesson