Biblical Basis for Turning Members into Ministers

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Napoleon pointed to a map of China one day and said, "There lies a sleeping giant. If it ever wakes up, it will be unstoppable." The Church of Jesus Christ is a sleeping giant. Seats are filled each Sunday with Christians who are doing nothing with their faith except "keeping it" to themselves and enjoying the blessings.

God expects every Christian to use his gifts and talents in ministry. The greatest need for the Church in the 21st century is to release its power through Christians who are ministering. It is estimated that only 10 percent of church members are involved in any church ministry and that 50 percent have no desire to be involved in ministry. At SouthPointe Church, we believe that every member is a minister. Our Discipleship Development Process is dedicated to providing practical training to involve our members in ministry.

This teaching has its foundation in Romans 12:1-8. We believe there are 5 foundations for this ministry.

FOUNDATION ONE:
The Church is the Foundation for Ministry
The Church is the foundation and pillar of all truth. It is a living, acting, organism that rests entirely upon the Lord Jesus Christ as its head and foundation. God has designated the Church to be the outlet of His divine truth. As we commit ourselves to belong to the local church, we also commit ourselves to serve. Matthew 16:18

FOUNDATION TWO:
Every Christian is a Minister
While every Christian isn't called to be a pastor, every Christian is called to be a minister. There are no "volunteers" in the army of God. We are all "drafted" for service at salvation. At SouthPointe Church, we teach and proclaim that every Christian is:

• Created for Ministry (Ephesians 2:10)
• Saved for Ministry (II Timothy 1:9)
• Called into Ministry (I Peter 2:9-10)
• Gifted/Talented for Ministry (I Peter 4:10)
• Commissioned for Ministry (Matt. 28:18-20)
• Commanded for Ministry (Matt. 20:26-28)
• Spiritually Prepared for Ministry (Eph.4:11,12) • Needed for Ministry (I Corinthians 12:27)
• Rewarded for Ministry (Colossians 3:23, 24)

FOUNDATION THREE:
Every Ministry of the Church is Important
There is no such thing as "insignificant" ministries or "unimportant" ministries in the church. Your place and service in ministry is vitally important to the body of Christ. Small ministries often make the biggest difference. (I Cor. 12:18-22)

FOUNDATION FOUR:
Ministries Must Work Cooperatively
The various ministries of a local church are all connected and dependent upon one another. No ministry should operate independently of the whole. While all ministries don't function the same way, all ministries have the same common goals. Society's emphasis on "individualism" and "independence" must be replaced with the Biblical concepts of "accountability" and "dependence on one another."

FOUNDATION FIVE:
Ministry Focuses on Who I Am
There are five elements for God
"SHAPING" my personal ministry in the church. They are:

1. S — piritual Gifts
2. H — eart Affection
3. A — bilities
4. P — ersonality
5. E — xperiences

Each of us has been uniquely designed by God for personal ministry to do certain things. Think of it — God has been molding and shaping you for ministry since you were born. In fact, God began the process even before you were born. Psalm 139:13-16