Practical Ministry: A Study for the Young and Beginning Minister - Paperback

by Lonnie E. Riley (Editor), Kimberly T. Riley (Illustrator), Reg W. Miller (Author)

Ministry is misunderstood by many who see a pastor on Sunday morning in a pulpit or go to hear an evangelist holding a service in a church or public auditorium. The "work of the ministry" is far more than just preaching and praying for people. Ministry may include mowing the grass, painting rooms or the building, cleaning up after a bad roof leak, or even planning or participating in construction.Ministry in an organized form is also a business. This means knowledge of zoning laws, insurance requirements, maybe getting sued or even charged with a crime (Paul did not go to jail "just because"). Even preaching, under some conditions, can land you in jail.Ministry can mean betrayal, the greatest disappointments you will ever experience, heartaches that cause you to pray for the opportunity to "go home to be with the Lord," and a battle with the "spirit of bitterness." It can also be the most rewarding experience of the human experience, when one knows that one has been chosen by God for a special purpose. We have all been chosen by God, even if it is not as a pastor or evangelist or missionary. Every member of the Body of Christ is a "chosen minister" to represent the King of Kings as we travel through this journey of life. There is a "ministry" for each and every believer.This book is especially meant for those who discover that they have been chosen to represent the King as an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher, or as a deacon or deaconess involved in the leadership of a church or ministry.