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The Catechism of the New Apostolic Church
- Contents
- 7.1 Ministry and duties
- 7.2 Source of ministry in the church
- 7.3 Biblical foundation
- 7.4 The Apostle ministry
- 7.5 The development of the ministries from the Apostle ministry
- 7.6 The ministries in the New Apostolic Church
- 7.7 Ordination
- 7.8 The exercise of a ministry
- 7.9 Tasks of the ministries
- 7.10 Appointments
7.1 Ministry and duties
A spiritual ministry constitutes authorisation, blessing, and sanctification issued through ordination for service in the church of Christ. It is exercised in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The spiritual ministry is assigned by a superior, in other words, the sender. The one who is sent is responsible and accountable to his sender in the fulfilment of his ministerial mandate. Ministry is always linked to Jesus Christ and the Apostles sent by Him (see 7.6).
In the church of Christ, ministry is to be distinguished from the various duties which serve for the proclamation of the gospel and the benefit of the believers, and which can also be performed without ordination.
It is also important to distinguish ministry from the call that has gone out to all believers, namely to serve the Lord by following Him (John 12: 26; 1 Peter 2: 5, 9). Just as the Apostles bear witness of the gospel through word and conduct, reborn Christians do the same in fellowship with them, thereby supporting their great commission.
SUMMARY
The term "ministry" describes a function or position that is assigned to a specific area of responsibility as well as an authority that has been bestowed in order to represent, lead, and provide order to a community. (7)
The spiritual ministry constitutes authority, blessing, and sanctification issued through ordination for service in the church of Christ. (7.1)
A distinction must be made between the ministry and the many diverse duties that support the proclamation of the gospel and the wellbeing of the believers, which can also be performed without ordination. (7.1)
It is also important to distinguish between ministry and the call that has gone out to all believers to serve the Lord through following. Just as the Apostles bear witness of the gospel through word and conduct, reborn Christians do the same in fellowship with them, thereby supporting their great commission. (7.1)