KINGSWORD MINISTERIAL ACADEMY

BASIC MINISTERIAL STUDIES

CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE PROGRAM 1. CM- 101 [SUPERNATURAL] This module covers the components and applications of the Supernatural. 2. CM- 102 [THE MINISTRY GIFTS] This module covers the different ministry offices. 3. CM- 103 [EVANGELISM & MISSION] This module covers the relevance of evangelism and missions. 4. CM- 104 [HEALING VIDEO] This module is an interactive healing video seminar.

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS Supernatural: The wonderful name of Jesus by E. W Kenyon & The Holy Spirit and His Gifts by Kenneth E. Hagin The Ministry Gifts: The Ministry Gifts by Kenneth E. Hagin & He gave Gifts unto men is by Kenneth E. Hagin Evangelism & Mission: Biblical Foundations & Contemporary Strategies of Missions by Gailyn Van Rheenen Healing Video: How to heal the sick by Charles & Frances Hunter  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents CM 101 - SUPERNATURAL CM 101 Class 1 [The components of Supernatural] …………………..…... 1 CM 101 Class 2 [Application of Supernatural] ……….……………...…... 11 CM 102 – THE MINISTRY GIFTS CM102 Class 1 [The Gifts & Calling of God] …………………………….. 19 CM 102 Class 2 [Five-Fold Ministry Office] .……………………..………. 26 CM 103 – EVANGELISM & MISSION CM 103 Class 1 [Evangelism] ...….………………………….….………….. 36 CM 103 Class 2 [Mission] .............................................................………….. 41  

 

1 

 

KINGSWORD MINISTERIAL ACADEMY

BASIC MINISTERIAL STUDIES

CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY PROGRAM

CM 101 - SUPERNATURAL

CLASS 1 – THE COMPONENTS OF SUPERNATURAL LIVING Objective: To instruct on the plan, purpose and tools of God for supernatural living Outline:

Introduction The name of Jesus The Gifts of the Spirit Vital Truths on Spiritual Gifts The ministry of Angels Visions and Revelations Supernatural Vs Spectacular

Introduction The word Supernatural means above and beyond the natural. It speaks of a world that is superior to this natural world that everybody is accustomed to. God lives in this supernatural world. He operates and conducts things according to the laws of the supernatural. The supernatural world is basically a world of the spirit. John 4:24 declares that God is a spirit. God is a spirit that lives by the laws of the supernatural. The spirit realm is superior to the senses and it is the realm of God. Man is a spirit being in the class of God according to Genesis 1:26. He was created so that he can be the associate and companion of deity. God gave him authority over all the laws of nature and every living thing was subject to him. He had absolute authority over everything on earth. He was in the natural world but lived a supernatural life. However, as soon as sin entered, man’s connection with God was cut off. The supply of life was cut and he became spiritually dead. His spirit received the nature of Satan and he became subject to his senses. Hence he descended from the supernatural to the natural. The Supernatural is living by the spirit while the natural is living by the senses. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross provided the way out of the misery of being subject to the laws of nature for man. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives man the opportunity to climb back into the realm of supernatural. The new creation, which is the product of the sacrifice of Jesus, is redeemed from

2 

 

the curse so that he can live a supernatural life. There are two sides to the realm of the supernatural. Until Satan rebelled against God in heaven this was not so. But when the Devil rebelled with the one third of angels now regarded as demons another level of the supernatural realm emerged. Ezekiel 28:16,17 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. This is known as negative supernatural. It is a dark world. Every unregenerate spirit without Christ is subject to this kind of supernatural. All the forces of hell including powers, principalities and spiritual wickedness in high places operate from this realm. Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The good news is that you don’t have to be subject to the negative supernatural. The blood of Jesus has liberated you from the influence of this darkness and empowered you to live supernaturally like Jesus did while He was on earth. The name of Jesus Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; John 14:13,14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 16:23,24 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full The name of Jesus is a major part of the supernatural lifestyle of a new creation. Through the name we have access into the supernatural life that a Christian has been called into. All the power and all the authority that Jesus has is invested in His name. When a believer stands before God in the name of Jesus God sees Him the same way He sees Jesus. Jesus is not on earth physically but He is with us in power and in the authority of His name. How did Jesus get such a powerful name? 1. By Inheritance Jesus received an excellent name because He is a son of God. So He inherited a great name by the virtue of the fact that He has a great father. Hebrews 1:4 - Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 2. By Conquest

3 

 

Jesus received a powerful name because of what He accomplished. He conquered death and hell in His sacrificial death and in return God gave Him a great name that is loaded with authority. Ephesians 1:19-22 - And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 3. By Bestowal The name of Jesus was bestowed on Him as a form of honor. God did not just honor Jesus with a great name when He was raised from the dead but also made Him to sit with Him at His right hand far above principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness. Philippians 2:9-11 - Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. There are two major use of the name of Jesus in the New Testament. a) The name of Jesus is used to access the throne of God in prayer. This is connected to the fact that new creations are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. So when you pray in Jesus name it is like Jesus talking to the Father. John 16:23,24. b) The name of Jesus is also used to take authority over the forces of hell. This is different from talking to the father in prayer. Rather, it is about making demands based on your right as a child of God over the works of darkness. It is literally giving commands to Satan and the host of hell. The Devil must obey when such commands are given because according to the scriptures he has been defeated already. Colossians 2:14,15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. The Gifts of the Spirit The Gifts of the Spirit are supernatural tools specially endowed on individual believers for the purpose of ministry. The gifts of the Spirit should not be confused with vocational gifts which are simply natural abilities and talents. Unlike vocational gifts which are permanently resident in an individual, the gifts of the Spirit are expressed in an individual by the leading of the Spirit. Simply put, individuals call the shot where vocational gifts are concerned but God calls the shot where spiritual gifts are concerned. Vocational gifts are your gifts whereas Gifts of the Spirit are the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. A good example of vocational gift is a musical talent. Natural abilities and talents can be anointed by the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:8 talks about the gift of leadership which is not in any way related to the Gifts of the Spirit - he that ruleth, with

4 

 

diligence. Often times, people are endowed with vocational gifts, ministry gifts and gifts of the Spirit to fulfill their purpose. These different kinds of gifts work together to bring out the fullness of God’s purpose, however we need to identify each one of them to avoid confusion. Vocational Gifts are natural abilities, skills and talents that are placed in individuals by God for the fulfillment of their God-given purpose. These gifts can be put to use at any given time without a direct prompting from God. Individuals are completely in charge of them. They function in your life whether you are saved or not. Ministry Gifts are supernatural leadership gifts specially endowed on individuals in the body of Christ for the purpose of believer’s development into maturity. There are five of them: Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Pastors and Evangelists. These are also called ministry offices. Gifts of the Spirit or Spiritual gifts are the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life given to profit individual Christians and the Church as a whole. Unlike vocational gifts, the believers at will cannot activate these. The Holy Spirit, as a result of His sovereign will, initiates them in the life of believers. These gifts are not activated purely by faith but on the other hand, the exercise of faith through prayers plays a role in activating them, by creating an atmosphere in which the Holy Spirit can act. There are nine of them and these are: Divers of tongues, Interpretation of tongues, Prophecy, Words of knowledge, Words of wisdom, Discerning of spirits, Gifts of healing, Working of miracles and Gift of special faith. 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. The Word gift in I Corinthians 12:1 is an italicized insertion by the translators of the King James’ version of the Bible. The original Greek renders it, ‘now concerning spirituals …’. These refer to things of and pertaining to the Holy Spirit in general and not only to the gifts of the Spirit. So what is referred to as the Gifts of the Spirit or Spiritual gifts can also be referred to as spirituals”. A good knowledge of these spirituals is needful so that saints can intelligently cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and flow with Him to obtain the best that God desires for His children. The Gifts of the Spirit in an overview The Gifts of the Spirit can be broken down into three major categories based on their functions. These categories are Utterance Gifts: These are gifts which when in manifestation say something. Under utterance gifts we have Divers of tongues, Interpretation of tongues and Prophecy. Revelation Gifts: These are gifts which when in manifestation reveal something. Under revelation gifts we have Words of knowledge, Words of wisdom and Discerning of spirits. Power Gifts: These are gifts which when in manifestation do something. Under power gifts we have Gifts of healing, Working of miracles and Gift of special faith. The Utterance Gifts The gift of prophecy which is inspired utterances in a known tongue for the purpose of edification, comfort and exhortation - 1 Corinthians 14:3. Prophesying is different from foretelling or revealing the past.

5 

 

Diverse kinds of tongues speaks of a message given in tongue and it is different from the ordinary tongues meant for prayer. Interpretation of tongues speaks of a divine ability to show forth the meaning of a message spoken by the gift of diverse kind of tongues. The combination of diverse kind of tongues and interpretation is equivalent to prophecy. Utterance gifts or vocal gifts say something and young believers can operate them so far as they are yielded to the Holy Spirit. The Revelation Gifts The Word of Wisdom which is a knowledge of the future, a supernatural revelation concerning the plans and purposes of God. The Word of Knowledge is a small part of God’s storehouse of knowledge, which is ‘flashed’ into the mind of the Christian by the Holy Spirit. It is a supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost concerning people, places, things or events in the present or the past. Discerning of Spirits is a special manifestation that gives the ability to perceive the realm of the spirit i.e. see, hear or smell into the realm of the spirit. The Power Gifts Power Gifts: These are the spiritual gifts which when ministered by the Spirit of God accomplishes or do something. They are: gift of special faith, gifts of healings and the working of miracles. The gift of faith is a supernatural endowment by the by the Spirit whereby that which is uttered or desired by man or spoken by God shall eventually come to pass. The human or divine miracle, utterance or miracle, assurance, curse or blessing, creation or destruction, removal or alteration will ultimately come to pass when it has been spoken by this gift. It works over a period of time and it is the force behind sustained miracles. The Gifts of Healings is a supernatural manifestation from one person to another that causes diseases to be healed without the use of natural means. It is specific and often operates with the word of knowledge. The Working of Miracles or the working of powers enables miracles to be performed. Miracles are supernatural interventions in the ordinary course of nature, a temporary suspension of the accustomed order, an interruption in the system of nature, as we know it is operated by the force of the Spirit. Vital truths on Spiritual Gifts 1. They are activated by faith 2. They function as the Holy Spirit leads 3. They are at work for the profiting (building) of believers 4. God expects believers to consciously yield themselves to Him for the manifestations. 5. They produce quick results. Accelerated process of the miraculous. 6. They must bring glory to God and not to individuals 7. They should not be merchandised in anyway 8. Believers should not live by them but by faith. They are not faith substitutes. 9. God expects believers to desire and anticipate its manifestations in their midst. 10. A high level of consecration and sensitivity to God is required for its constant manifestation.

6 

 

11. They are great tools of ministry to help saints and draw unbelievers to Jesus Christ 12. Their operations is increased through knowledge and constant use 13. Compassion and love for people play great roles in their manifestation 14. The manifestation of spiritual gifts does not depict spiritual maturity 15. You don’t have to be called into ministry office to walk in these manifestations. The ministry of Angels Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Angels are spirit beings that have been given the assignment to minister to the saints of God. All through the Bible there are several accounts on the ministry of Angels covering both the Old and New Testaments. In the Acts of Apostles the ministry of Angels was very prominent especially where supernatural deliverance is concerned. However, there is a need to mention that not all the Angels originally created by God are doing good today. In fact, one third of the Angels fell with Satan when they rebelled against the most High God. Fallen Angels Revelations 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. These angels now known as demons are reserved in everlasting chains under darkness while awaiting the judgment of God. (Isaiah 14:12 KJV) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 2 Peter 2:4 - For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment The above scripture talks about how God dealt with angels that sinned. (Isaiah 14:13-17 KJV) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (Ezekiel 28:12-15 KJV) Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

7 

 

Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 show us how the angels were cast down from heaven when they joined forces with the devil to rebel against God. They got into trouble because they chose to exercise their will. Man is the only creature that has the right to choose. Angels on the other hand are created to obey and not choose. Man can choose because he was created in the class of God with the ability to exercise his will. Angels were often referred to as “sons of God” in the Old Testament. Examples are Genesis 6:1-4; Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job 38:7. According to Genesis 6, giants are products of the relationship of “sons of God” aka angels that left their estate and daughters of men. The details are left out in the Bible. However, we have enough information to deduce that giants – men of great stature were produced as a result of copulation between fallen angels of extraordinary stature and women of normal human stature. It is important for you to realize that though angels are heavenly beings they are not superior to men in any way. They are basically messengers of the Lord who are commissioned to worship the Lord and do service to men. Hebrews 1:4,5 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? The writer of the book of Hebrews clearly established the fact that Jesus is superior to angels. God even gave Him a more excellent name to confirm that. If Jesus is superior to angels that means you are too. You are the body of Christ! God does not expect you to worship angels but rather put them to work in your life by loosing them to enforce your salvation rights. Angels are very involved in the protection of the covenant saints of God. According to Psalm 91 they bear up the saints in their hands to make sure they are not affected by any evil. (Psalms 91:10-12 KJV) There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. (2 Kings 6:15-17 KJV) And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. We need a revelation of the protective ministry of Angels. You don’t need to see Angels physically, you only need to see them with the eye of your spirit through revelation. Seeing Angels with the eyes of your spirit is what imparts your heart with faith for the manifestations of Angels in your life. Angels are also involved in other manifestations that involve the salvation (sotheria in Greek) of the saints of God. Such include the benefits of wealth, favor and supernatural guidance.

8 

 

As powerful as the ministry of angels are, you can only experience it through the operation of your faith. This involves developing a strong image of the ministry of angels from the scriptures, confessing the word of God on it and expecting the manifestation in your life. (Psalms 103:20,21 KJV) Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Scriptural Facts about Angels 1. Angels are heavenly spiritual beings that were created long before men. Hebrews 2:5 2. Angels are messengers of God. They run errands for the Most High. Hebrews 1:14 3. Angels are creatures of great stature built specially for their mission. Acts 12: 6-11 4. One third of Angels known as “Fallen Angels” took side with Satan against God. Subsequently they were cast down from heaven by God. 2 Peter 2:4 5. Fallen Angels are responsible for Giants mentioned in the Old Testament through their relationship with daughters of men. Genesis 6:2 6. Angels are not to be worshipped by men. The worship of angels is an ungodly demonic practise. Colossians 2:18 7. Angels have the ability to take the form of men. There are records of men that entertained angels, unaware of their identity. Hebrews 13:2 8. Scriptures is full of examples of God giving divine guidance through the ministry of Angels. Matthew 2:13, Acts 27:20-25 9. Satan in a bid to deceive is capable of disguising as the angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 10. Angels are inferior to Jesus Christ. They belong to a lower class of creatures. Hebrews 1:4-8 11. The new creations, saints of God are going to be responsible for the judgment of Angels. 1 Corinthians 6:3 12. You don’t need to see Angels with your physical eyes but rather with the eyes of your spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:7 13. Angels cannot preach the good news of salvation. However they are responsible for the delivery of salvation benefits in the lives of the heirs of salvation. Romans 10:14,15 14. Faith and prayer are required to activate the ministry of Angels. Acts 12:5-7 15. You have a responsibility to boldly declare your salvation promises in order to put your angels to work. Angels are voice activated. Psalm 103:20, 21. Supernatural Visions (2 Corinthians 12:1 KJV) It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. The Bible is full of records of people that had supernatural encounters that involved seeing into the realm of the spirit. It should be noted that God would rather communicate to His children on a consistent basis using less dramatic means such as inward witness or still small voice of human spirit. However, God uses the medium of Supernatural vision to communicate to His children when it involves an important message to make a strong lasting impression. Another important factor to

9 

 

be considered is the ministry office of the recipient. Ministry Gifts that stand in the prophetic office have more supernatural visitations along this line more than the rest of the ministry gifts. There are three types of Supernatural Vision. They are spiritual vision, trance and open vision. Spiritual Vision This is a type of vision in which a person has a vision in his spirit, or sees something in his spirit. This is the lowest type of vision. Paul’s supernatural experience on the road to Damascus is a classic example of spiritual vision. Acts 9:3-5 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Paul did not see the Lord Jesus with his physical eyes. In fact the account says he was blind for a season. However, he saw the Lord with the eyes of his spirit. Trance This type of vision involves momentarily suspension of the physical senses. This is the second highest type of vision. During trance, the subject is not aware of his environment. He is not unconscious but he is more aware of the spirit realm than the physical. A classic example is Peter’s experience at the housetop in the tenth chapter of the book of Acts. (Acts 10:10-17 KJV) And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, Open Vision This type of vision involves seeing into the realm of the spirit with physical eyes. The senses are not suspended but rather granted the ability to see into the spirit realm. When this happens all of the physical capabilities are intact and one is able to see the spirit world as if it is physical. Paul, the Apostle had an experience along this line in the course of his ministry. (2 Corinthians 12:1-5 KJV) It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. I personally believe the man being described above is Apostle Paul.

10 

 

Warning: The purpose of these teaching is not to make you desire supernatural visions but to educate you about the spirituals so that you will not be ignorant. 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Don’t desire to see vision. You have the Word of God to live by. All the supernatural experience you need is already in the Word. Supernatural Vs Spectacular Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. God has called every saint to a lifestyle of the supernatural. Supernatural is simply over and above the natural. Supernatural can be just simple or spectacular. Spectacular is very dramatic in nature. It blows the mind and draws great attention because of the drama involved. There is no where in the scripture that the Bible tells us to seek the spectacular. In fact, seeking the spectacular can get you to the other side of the supernatural – negative supernatural. Some people have yielded to demonic spirit because of their hunger for the spectacular. The Bible actually says the devil can transform himself into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14 KJV) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. The focus should always be supernatural and not spectacular. Supernatural always bring results. Whether the process is dramatic or not should be left to God. An example of this is supernatural deliverance in what should have been a car wreck. Simple Supernatural result could be that just before a car hits another car, it suddenly stopped supernaturally. Spectacular result: An angel showed up, carried the car and dropped it at the other side. Both incidences involved the ministry of Angels but in the case of simple supernatural, there was no vision of an angel while the spectacular one involved an open vision. The end result is the most important. So don’t put your attention on the spectacular experience. Focusing on the spectacular will take your attention from the spirit to the senses which opens the door for the enemy (Satan) to come in. Bear in mind that the Devil is the god of this world and he might be able to manipulate things in the physical (spectacular) but he cannot duplicate a real supernatural result. (2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

11 

 

CLASS 2 - Applications of Supernatural Objective: To help you see the operation and impart of negative supernatural forces in human life Outline

Demonology The Devil or the flesh Different levels of demonic activity The right perspective to deliverance Generation Curses

Demonology Definition: Demonology is the study of operations and activities of demons. Satan has not always been the archenemy of God. He was created to be beautiful originally. God actually referred to him as anointed cherub in Ezekiel 28:14. He was an archangel known as Lucifer who led worship and praise of God. He had such a beautiful voice. He literally covered God’s throne with praise. He also produced great music with uncommon grace. (Ezekiel 28:13 KJV) Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Satan’s Names We can know the nature and character of Satan by looking at the names that were used in describing him in the scriptures. 1. Lucifer – this is Satan’s angelic name. He lost this name after he rebelled against heaven. (Isaiah 14:12 KJV) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! He then became Satan which means the following: an opponent, the archenemy of good, adversary. I Peter 5:8 reveals that he is an adversary of man. 1 Peter 5:8 KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 2. The accuser of the brethren. (Revelation 12:10 KJV) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Job 2:2-5 shows us how he brought accusation against Job. He has not changed in his operations. He is still very much accusing the covenant children of God. (Job 2:2-5 KJV) And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against

12 

 

him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 3. Satan is called the devil Revelations 12:9 makes reference to him as the devil. This is from the Greek word – diabolos, which means “a false accuser, slanderer. (Revelation 12:9 KJV) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. The word devil is closely associated with evil. Evil means the following: adversity, affliction, distress, grief, harm, mischief, sorrow, trouble, wretched, displease, vanity, unjust, slander, hurtful, vicious, and lewd. The devil is all these things and moré. 4. Satan is called the dragon. (Revelation 12:3 KJV) And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. A dragon represents destruction. 5. Satan is called the serpent (Genesis 3:1 KJV) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? A snake implies sneaky, subtle and beguiling. Satan basically waits until a person is vulnerable and then he goes all out to devour just like a snake 6. Satan is called the prince of the power of the air. A prince literally means the heir to the throne. It speaks of an exalted position. Satan has authority over the power of the air. Apostle Paul in his epistle to the church at Ephesus talked about spiritual wickedness in high places. Satan’s authority is found in the atmosphere closest to the earth. (Ephesians 2:2 KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 7. Satan is called the god of this world. Satan became the god of this world after the first Adam lost his authority over this planet. When Adam was deceived his authority was transferred to the devil. The devil then became the god of this world system. However, a believer is not supposed to be under the world system. 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 8. Satan is called Beelzebub. Beelzebub means “god of flies” He is the god of filth and lord of the dunghill. Sin is filthy and the devil is lord over it. There are other expressions all over the bible that describe the personality of the devil. These include the temper ( Matthew 4:3), the spirit of rebellion (Ephesians 2:2), the thief (John 10:10), the deceiver (Revelations 12:9). The Devil or the flesh A lot of people confuse the works of the flesh with the attack of the Devil. In fact, the devil is often accused by Christians for things he is not directly involved with.

13 

 

(James 4:1-3 KJV) From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. The word ‘lust’ is also translated pleasures. Pleasures of the flesh are not demons or evil spirits. Though a Christian has a recreated spirit, his body still wants to fulfill the lust of the flesh just as it did before he got saved. It is the responsibility of a Christian to renew his mind with the word of God and present his body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1,2). A good example is overeating. Overeating is not necessarily a demonic operation. It is simply a lust of the flesh. It is as a result of lack of the development of the fruit of the spirit where temperance (self control) is concerned. Although the devil can sometimes get involved. (Galatians 5:24 KJV) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. God expects every believer to crucify his flesh by putting it under the control of his recreated spirit. This is not a pleasurable experience. It hurts to deny the flesh. It is an ongoing process that begins with a decision to live a quality Christian life that will glorify God. This is necessary in order to inherit all the promises of God. It is dangerous to allow your flesh to go in the direction that pleases it. It leads to death - Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Death here implies separation from the life of God. Manifestations of death includes sicknesses, poverty and lack. Unforgiveness is a work of the flesh that every believer should resist. It stops the flow of God’s power and reduces the potential of a believer. There are two words the Bible uses to teach us how to deal with the flesh: crucify and mortify. None of these words is pleasant. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Bear in mind that the reward of a crucified flesh outweighs its cost. Different levels of demonic activity It is the believer’s responsibility to know the devices of the enemy. The devil is committed to making attempts at gaining access into peoples’ lives through their mind and body. The degree of influence the devil has in a life is determined by how yielded the individual is to him. (Romans 6:16 KJV) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? The things we permit in our lives can bring the involvement of the devil or shut him out. There are three levels of demonic attack that are often used interchangeably by believers. These are oppression, obsession and possession. However, they have varying degrees of demonic influence.

14 

 

Oppression Oppression is a form of demonic attack that is focused on the body and soul. People including Spirit-filled believers can be influenced in the bodies or souls if they fail to exercise their God given authority. Oppression is characterized with bodily or mental affliction. Oppression can be in form of sicknesses and diseases. Fear and mood swing are good examples of oppression. In oppression, the attack of the enemy can be from within or without. There are varying degrees of oppression. In other words, a person can be more oppressed at certain times as a result of increased exposure to demonic attack. There are cases of physical infirmity that are demonic in nature as a result of oppression. Until the devil involved is dealt with, the healing power of God cannot be experienced. (Mark 9:25 KJV) When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. In the above scripture Jesus had to drive out the demonic spirit behind the health condition of dumbness and deafness before healing could be administered. This is a scriptural example of demonic oppression. This does not mean that every sickness is a form of demonic oppression. There are also instances when demons influence peoples mind. This is known as mental oppression. Someone with such problem finds it challenging to control his thoughts. Obsession Obsession is a demonic attack that involves demons taking over the thought process. A person is said to be obsessed when demonic spirits have gained much ground to the point of total control of his mind. Obsession is a step higher than oppression. While in oppression the person is still in control, obsession involves loss of control. In many cases the attack of the enemy starts out as oppression and if nothing is done to arrest the situation it can be upgraded to obsession. Obsession is possible in both non Christians and Christians. (James 4:7 KJV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Obsession is experienced by Christians when they fail to resist the enemy- the devil. Don’t allow the devil to gain ground in your life. You are supposed to resist him using the word of God. There is no way a believer that spends time in the word can be obsessed by the devil. In summary obsession is about the affliction of the enemy that emanates from the mind that is not subject to the word of God. There are several cases of rebellion that are simply obsession of the enemy. There are also cases of people that are obsessed in their thinking with worry and fear. A person obsessed with fear is grounded by the enemy continually. Examples of this are people tormented by the spirit of fear where going out in the dark is concerned. Don’t accept such. It is not in any one’s personality. Let God deliver you by his Word and the anointing. Obsession is evil. Resist it. Possession Possession is the highest level of demonic activity in a human life. A person is said to be possessed in a situation where his spirit is inhabited by demons. It is impossible for a child of God to be possessed. Before a Christian can be possessed he will have to severe his relationship with God or even commit sin unto death which means total rejection of the lordship of Jesus. Sin unto death

15 

 

according to Hebrews 6:4,5 can only be committed by a matured believer that has is deeply rooted in the Word and Spirit of God. (Matthew 8:28,29 KJV) And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? In the above scriptures Jesus encountered a mad man that was possessed of the Devil. This man was ruled by the devil from within his spirit. He had no control of his life. His body, soul and spirit were subject to the devil. However, after Jesus had ministered to him he became a totally different individual. (Mark 5:19,20 KJV) Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. This man started proclaiming the good news of Jesus after he was delivered. He changed from within. A person can be oppressed or obsessed in his body or soul (mentally or emotionally). With possession, things are different. Total possession means giving over spirit, soul and body to an evil spirit. To possess means to own. So a possessed individual is owned by the devil. That is why a Christian cannot be possessed by the devil. A believer is owned by God. The blood of Jesus has been paid as a ransom for his redemption. (1Corinthians 6:20 KJV) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Oppression and obsession implies being afflicted or influenced by the devil while possession means being under the power or total control of a demon or demons. The right perspective to deliverance There is a scriptural injunction where the casting out of devils is concerned. Jesus actually told his disciples that one of the signs of a believer will be the casting out of devils. (Mark 16:17 KJV) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils. This was actually the very first sign that Jesus talked about. So, God expects us to cast out or drive out devils. This speaks of forcefully ejecting devils. Jesus gave you the authority you need to accomplish the task. (Matthew 28:18 KJV) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Luke 10:19 KJV) Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. God does not expect you to fight or struggle with demons. You are called to drive them out by faith. God has invested in you the authority to accomplish the task. Don’t be afraid of demons. You are raised with Jesus and seated with Him in a position of authority. Dare to use your authority.

16 

 

Jesus already defeated the devil and all the demons of hell. You are here on earth to enforce the victory that Jesus obtained. Another important thing that must be looked at is what people call deliverance ministry. Deliverance is a major part of our redemption in Christ Jesus. However, deliverance should not be limited to freedom from demons. Our deliverance includes freedom for fear, poverty, sicknesses and any other work of the enemy. It is very scriptural to cast out devils in the name of Jesus but this does not mean that we should now build our ministries around chasing devils. One of the problems of the so called deliverance ministers is that their practices are based on their experience and other peoples’ experience. The word of God ought to be the only yardstick for ministry. A minister can be specially anointed to cast out devils but the emphasis should always be the preaching and teaching of the word of God that brings deliverance at all time. (Psalms 107:20 KJV) He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Excesses and errors in Deliverance Ministry 1. A believer needs to undergo repeated deliverance sessions before he can be free. 2. Demons are directly involved in every disease and sickness situation. 3. Physical demonstration must always accompany the casting out of demons. 4. In order to cast out demons you must be an experienced deliverance minister. 5. There must be some kind of ministration of the spirit before people can be delivered from evil spirit. 6. It is okay to engage in conversation with demons by allowing the devils to speak through the person undergoing deliverance. 7. Every believer must go through regular check up to prevent demonic activity in their lives. Generational Curses A generational curse can be defined as an uncleansed iniquity that increase in strength from one generation to the next, affecting the members of that family and all who come into relationship with that family. Examples of generation curses are marital problems, barrenness, lack of favor, uncontrolled temper, heart problem. The list goes on forever. It could be anything that Jesus already redeemed you from. The origin of generational curse is the sin of the first man. When Adam committed the high reason he brought a curse upon the entirety of mankind. Before then man was living in the presence of God and under the influence of his blessing. (Genesis 1:28 KJV) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. To be blessed implies to have an empowerment for prosperity, excellence and success. Man was extremely successful in the Garden of Eden because he had the strong backing of the empowerment or the blessing working in his life. Everything changed when sin came into his life. Sin brought death (separation from God) which brought a curse on mankind. The curse is the opposite of the blessing. To be cursed means to have the empowerment to fail and be defeated. A cursed man is at the wrong place at the wrong time experiencing a chain of unfortunate events.

17 

 

(Genesis 3:17-19 KJV) And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Every manifestation of a curse can be traced to an unconfessed sin. Sin will always produce a curse. (Proverbs 28:13 KJV) He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. You are Redeemed (Galatians 3:13 KJV) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. The sacrifice of Jesus provides the solution for the sin of the first Adam. Now you and I can live a life free of any kind of curse including generational curses. However, there is a need to consciously stand on your redemptive right to fully walk in the freedom that you have in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 2:14 KJV) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. Jesus reversed every curse that could come upon your life when he resurrected from the dead. In order to appropriate what Jesus obtained for you, you must have an organized line of action. You start by identifying weaknesses or pattern of defeat that is consistent in your extended family. Then consciously search from the scriptures for God’s word that reveal that you are free from such weaknesses. Meditate and confess these scriptures until you are well established in them. The word of God is your surest way of receiving deliverance from generational curses. It is also important to make sure you are submitted in a local assembly that has an anointed ministry gift. There is a place of the anointing in receiving deliverance from generational curse. This is the bottom line. You are redeemed, however you have a responsibility to identify the problem and tackle it by the word of God and the anointing. Isaiah 10:27 talks about the anointing that is capable of destroying the yokes of the enemy. Generational curses are yokes. (Isaiah 10:27 KJV) And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. Attitudes and Generational curses (Proverbs 26:2 KJV) As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. At the root of every generational curse there is a cause. A lot of times generational curses find expression in believers’ life through wrong attitudes. Attitudes such as rebellion, strife and disobedience can bring curses of your fathers into your life. The blessing works by obedience

18 

 

and curses depend on your lack of obedience. Insensitivity to the direction of God on your life will turn on the switch of curses. Your covenant with God provides a covering over your life that stops you from having all the evil manifestations the generations before you have become exposed to through ungodly practices. Any thing that jeopardizes your covering will lead you back to the curses that Jesus redeemed you from. Let us look at it this way, curses are blessing blockers. They stop the flow of God in your life and expose your life to great danger. This is a list of attitudes that you should watch out for in order to avoid generational curses from attaching itself to your life 1. Lack of submission to authority 2. Disobedience to instructions in the Word 3. Insensitivity to the direction of God 4. Unteachable spirit 5. Unwillingness to forgive others of their wrongdoings 6. Strife, animosity and malice 7. Lack of integrity 8. Unrenewed mind - a mind that is not aligned to the word of God Let us justify the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Let every generational curse stop with you. You have an opportunity to start a new lineage for your children and children’s children. Stay in the word of God until you receive the revelation that will bring divine revolution to your life and the generation that will come after you. Disconnect from every generational curse and turn on the generational blessing of Abraham that is on you through Christ Jesus. (Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV) The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Proverbs 13:22 KJV) A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. (Galatians 3:14 KJV) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Quiz *Provide scriptural references while answering these questions. 1. How did Jesus receive such a powerful name? 2. What is the difference between the ministry of a prophet in the Old Testament and New Testament? 3. (James 4:1 KJV) From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Explain 4. What is the connection between spiritual gifts and ministry gifts? 5. Explain the different kinds of vision. 6. What are the errors and excesses of deliverance ministry? 7. Distinguish between the supernatural and the spectacular. 8. What is the relevance of the ministry of angels in the New Testament? 9. What are the different levels of demonic activity in human life? 10. What do you understand by generation curses?

19 

 

CM 102 – THE MINISTRY GIFTS 

CLASS 1‐ The Gifts and Callings of God

Objective: To instruct on the place, purpose and relevance of the ministry gifts in the Body of Christ  Outline: 

Introduction  The Divine Call  Supernatural Equipment  Faithfulness to the Call  The Ministry of Helps  The Ministry of Giving  The Ministry of Exhortation 

Introduction

(Ephesians 4:7‐11 KJV) But unto every one of us  is given grace according  to  the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he  led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is 

the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

After the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the Old Testaments saints that were  in Abraham bosom  in  Paradise while  awaiting  the  consummation  of  God’s  plan  of  redemption were  led  out  of captivity. Jesus did not only lead them out of hell but also ascended with them into the third heaven (the abode  of God).  Apart  from  leading  the Old  Testament  saints  into God’s  presence  of God,  Jesus  did something remarkable according to the revelation of Apostle Paul – He gave gifts unto men.  

These gifts are called ministry gifts. In order words, He called certain men in this present dispensation to occupy  special offices where  the  leadership of  the Church  is  concerned.  These offices  are  known  as Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Evangelist and Teacher. People called into these offices are specially anointed to perform supernatural tasks in the body of Christ on earth. Ministry gifts are primarily for the purpose of service.  

People called into these offices are called to serve the body of Christ in different capacities. Whether or not  you are  called  into any of  these offices  is predetermined by God. Being  called  into  any of  these offices does not make you a better child of God than other believers. Rather, it simply means you have been given a responsibility to serve other people  in the body. People  in ministry offices do not have a 

20 

 

special audience with God or more qualified  for  the manifestation of  the promises of God. Whatever anointing they have is to serve other people. They still have to live by faith where their personal lives are concerned just like the rest of the members of the body of Christ. 

Below is a brief description of the five‐fold ministry offices: 

1. Apostle – It literarily means the sent one. People in this office have a clear commission and a strong ministry of signs and wonders. The office seems to embrace almost every type of ministry. 

2. Prophet – The ministry is basically inspirational. It involves a constant manifestation of revelatory gifts and utterance gifts. 

3. Evangelist – An evangelist has a strong passion to win souls by the preaching of the gospel with signs and wonders. 

4. Pastor – He is anointed of God to feed, guide and tend the flock in the local assembly. 

5. Teacher – A teacher is supernaturally enabled to have insight to the word of God and teach it in a way that it can be understood by members of the body of Christ. 

According  to Ephesians 4:12,  the primary purpose of  the ministry gifts  is  to mature  the saints of God through their gifts so that they will be in a position to do the work of the ministry. 

The Divine Call 

(Hebrews 5:4 KJV) And no man  taketh  this honour unto himself, but he  that  is  called of God, as was Aaron. 

The  call  of God  into  five‐fold ministry  office  is  something  that we  cannot  afford  to  take  lightly.  The Message  translation  of  the  Bible  actually  puts  Hebrews  5:4  this way:  No  one  elects  himself  to  this honored position. He's called to it by God, as Aaron was.  

You can’t talk yourself into a ministry office. It is either you are called into it or not. What you do or how you live has nothing to do with it. People called into ministry offices are specially wired for it. Your love or  zeal  for God  is not enough  to make  you  a ministry office material. You must be  called of God  to occupy  the  office.  (1  Corinthians  12:28  KJV)  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first  apostles, secondarily prophets,  thirdly  teachers, after  that miracles,  then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

God is the one that set people into ministry offices. If you allow men or a Church to set you in an office that God has not called you into, you will have yourself to blame. Faithfulness is a great attribute but it takes more  than being  faithful  to be a ministry gift You must be  set. Before God  can  send  you on a mission He must have set you. A sent man is a set man.  

 

21 

 

It is wrong to promote or ordain people into ministry offices when it is not clear they have been set by God  for this purpose. Wait  for a clear divine call before allowing people  to put a  title  in  front of your name. People in ministry offices are anointed to remove peculiar burdens and destroy yokes in people’s life. When you put a man that has not been set by God  in an office,  it  is  like sending somebody on an errand without the necessary equipment.  

This  can be  very  frustrating. Prayer  can’t  change  the mind of God about  this.  It  is predetermined by heaven. Your spouse and your children are not you. Just because you are one in marriage with someone does  not mean  you  should  put  a  title  of  a ministry  office  in  front  of  his  or  her  name.  The  call  into ministry office is sacred. We should endeavor to keep it this way.  

Don’t try to go  into the ministry without a calling from God to do so. Until you are persuaded  in your spirit about a ministry gift, don’t allow any man to put you  in the office. Furthermore,  if you are really called there will be a measure of grace at work in your life that will convince you and people around you that God has set you into the office. 

Supernatural Equipment 

People  that are called  into ministry offices are specially equipped by God with supernatural ability  to accomplish the assignment given to them. Every ministry gift is anointed to function by supernatural or spiritual gifts. These gifts are necessary for these people to stand in their offices.  

Education is good but it takes more than education to function effectively in ministry. Attending a Bible school or school of theology is not a substitute for spiritual gifts if you are called into ministry office. You can call yourself anything but the proof is in the spiritual gifts that are at work in your ministry.  

Apostle Paul talked about the signs of the ministry of an apostle in his epistle to the Church at Corinth – (2 Corinthians 12:12 KJV) Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders,  and mighty  deeds.  This  does  not mean  that  a  layman  (not  called  into ministry  office) cannot walk in spiritual gifts.  

However, a ministry gift  is  likely  to walk  in a greater measure of  the anointing where  these gifts are concerned. An example is the simple gift of prophecy which can be at work in any believer’s life but this is different from a prophetic utterance that is experienced when a prophet is standing in his office. 

Faithfulness to the Call 

Faithfulness  speaks of  the attribute  that makes a man  to apply himself  to a  course  consistently with diligence. This is essential in order to fulfil any ministry. In fact, a lot of ministers are ordinary in ministry in spite of the call of God upon their lives because they fail to apply themselves where the call of God is concerned. Just because you are called of God does not make you a great minister. Ministries don’t just happen any more than marriages just happen.  

 

22 

 

(2 Timothy 2:2 KJV) And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou  to  faithful men, who  shall  be  able  to  teach  others  also.  Apostle  Paul  in  his  epistle  to  Timothy actually  exalted  faithfulness  above  ability.  Your  effectiveness  in  ministry  is  determined  by  your faithfulness to the call of God. God expects everyone called into ministry office to develop faithfulness in the following areas: 

1. Study of the Word 

(2  Timothy  2:15  KJV)  Study  to  shew  thyself  approved  unto God,  a workman  that  needeth  not  to  be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Every minister must be committed to the study of the word in order to be effective. The expression of your anointing is controlled by your Word bank. Fill yourself with the Word. 

2. Character Development 

(Psalm 15:4 KJV) In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.  

(1 Peter 3:15 KJV) But sanctify the Lord God  in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

A minister of the gospel should be a person of integrity who is honest and sincere. More is required of people who are separated unto an office. Such people should be setting a good example. 

3. Separation from worldly things 

(2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you  

(1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

 

A minister  is expected  to  crucify his  flesh daily and  separate himself unto  spiritual  things  so  that his anointing can stay fresh at all times. A minister should make sure he deals with lust problem especially in the areas of money and sex. 

4. Obedience to divine direction 

(Acts 26:19 KJV) Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 

(1 Samuel 16:1 KJV) And the LORD said unto Samuel, How  long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing  I have rejected  him  from  reigning  over  Israel?  fill  thine  horn with  oil,  and  go,  I will  send  thee  to  Jesse  the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. 

23 

 

Your obedience to God’s direction will determine your success rate in ministry. Obedience is the key to the anointing. Saul, the first king of Israel lost his throne because of his disobedience. Partial obedience is not enough. It amounts to disobedience. 

5. Fasting and Prayer 

(Acts 13:2 KJV) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Matthew 17:21 KJV) Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.  

A  life  given  to  prayer  and  fasting will maintain  the  required  fellowship  that  it  takes  to walk  in  the anointing for the assignment. Fasted prayer is a major key to walking in the miraculous power of God. It is needful especially  for ministry gifts  that  involve constant manifestation of power gifts e.g. Apostles and Evangelists. 

The Ministry of Helps 

(1  Corinthians  12:28  KJV) And God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first  apostles,  secondarily  prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

Right in the middle of the ministry gift list above is listed, the ministry of helps. The ministry of helps is not regarded as one of the five‐fold ministry offices but this does not make it a less important office in anyway. People called  into  this office have  the equipment of divine grace and power  to bring help or relief in the work of the ministry. A lot of times people called into this office are equipped to minister to the weak and needy.  

These people are great in rendering necessary assistance to people in five‐fold ministry office. They are called to support. In Acts chapter 6, seven men were separated into the ministry of helps so that the disciples can focus on the Word and prayer. Men separated into this office are also called deacons. The word deacon is used in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8‐13. The deacon’s ministry in the early days of the Church was connected to having charge of the alms and ministering to the poor, the needy and the sick. 

(Romans 12:8b KJV) He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Another important aspect of the ministry of helps is music. Music in the Church should not just focus on talent.  People  that  are  specially  anointed  by God  for music  should  be  placed  in  this ministry.  Such people know what to play or sing by the anointing. 

(2 Kings 3:15 KJV) But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. 

 

24 

 

Prophet  Elisha  called  for  a minstrel  because  he  needed  the  involvement  of  this ministry  to  function effectively in his office. Likewise five‐fold ministry gifts need people like this to do what they are called to do. 

(1 Samuel 16:23 KJV) And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. 

David as a teenager also functioned as an anointed minstrel helping King Saul out, to keep the influence of the evil spirit away from him. There are cases of people that started out in the ministry of helps and later discovered  that  they are also  called  into  fivefold ministry office. An example  is Phillip who was originally separated as a deacon –  

(Acts 6:5 KJV) And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 

Later  he was  called  Phillip  the  evangelist  ‐  (Acts  21:8  KJV) And  the  next  day we  that were  of  Paul's company departed, and  came unto Caesarea: and we entered  into  the house of Philip  the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 

Phillip was obviously called into both the office of an evangelist and the ministry of helps. 

The Ministry of Giving 

(Romans 12:9 KJV) Let  love be without dissimulation. Abhor  that which  is evil; cleave  to  that which  is good. 

As important as the five‐fold ministry offices are, they will be limited in expression without people called and anointed  into  the ministry of giving. People called  into  this ministry have what  is called a special grace of giving. Giving as a lifestyle is what every believer is called to. However, people that operate in this ministry have an added endowment of grace to finance the preaching of the gospel. 

Romans 10:15a ‐ And how shall they preach, except they be sent? 

The  sending  forth of a minister will not be  complete without  the people  called of God  to  supply  the finances for the vision. 

The Ministry of Exhortation 

(Romans 12:8 KJV) Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Exhortation  is  regarded  as  a  natural  and  essential  part  of  almost  every  other ministry.  The  primary purpose of an exhorter  is to bring encouragement either by way of comfort or by stirring up believers. 

25 

 

People often confuse the five‐fold ministry office of an evangelist with the ministry of an exhorter. An evangelist is primarily sent to bring the unsaved to the saving knowledge of Christ. He is supernaturally equipped  with  power  gifts  to  achieve  this.  An  exhorter  on  the  other  hand  brings  comfort  and encouragement to the body of Christ. He simply stirs up people. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26 

 

CLASS 2 – The Five‐fold Ministry Offices 

Objective: To  instruct on  the operations and dynamics of  the  fivefold ministry offices  in  the Body of Christ 

Outline: 

The purpose of the five‐fold ministry gifts  The office of an Apostle  The office of a Prophet  The office of an Evangelist  The office of a Pastor  The office of a Teacher  Variety and Balance 

 

THE PURPOSE OF THE FIVE‐FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS 

It is very imperative that the purpose of the five‐fold ministry offices is well understood. This is the only way to avoid the abuse of these great gifts. 

(Ephesians 4:12 KJV) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

According  to  Ephesians  4:12,  these  gifts  are  for  the maturing  of  the  saints  so  that  believers will  be equipped for the work of the ministry and ultimately build the body of Christ. People called  into these offices are not supposed to intimidate other members of Christ or manipulate them in any way. Rather, they are called to service using their gifts to nurture the saints of God into a measure of the stature of God‐ 

(Ephesians 4:13 KJV) Till we all come  in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 

(1 Peter 5:1‐3 KJV) The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you,  taking  the oversight  thereof, not by  constraint, but willingly; not  for  filthy  lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 

Apostle Peter  in his epistle admonished  the elders which also mean pastors  to oversee God’s people effectively not by using control or manipulative strategies but by being good examples to the flock. The body of Christ needs all the five ministry gifts functioning before the full stature that God desires for us can be achieved.  

27 

 

In addition, these gifts must work together and connect just like the different parts of the body before the body of Christ can be whole. So many Christian organizations and denominations have not been able to walk in the fullness of God because they only recognize part but not all the five‐fold ministries. 

(Ephesians 2:20 KJV) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 

The Church is founded on the foundation of Apostles and prophets, however it will take the ministries of evangelists, prophets and teachers for the fullness of God to be in manifestation. 

THE OFFICE OF AN APOSTLE 

(1Corinthians  12:28  KJV)  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first  apostles,  secondarily  prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

Ephesians 4:11a ‐  And he gave some, apostles; 

The ministry of an Apostle  is regarded as the  leading ministry gift. However, this does not make other ministry gifts less important. An Apostle literally means a sent one.  

It is from the Greek word “Apostolos.” The ministry of an Apostle involves pioneering a new work which entails  a  clearly defined mission  from  the  Lord. An Apostle  finds himself  combining  the  functions of other ministry gifts. The miracle ministry of an Apostle  is very exceptional. He  is anointed specially for the ministry of signs and wonders. The Bible speaks of the signs of an Apostle:  

(2Corinthians 12:12 KJV)Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 

Most  of  the  times  people  called  into  apostolic ministry  are  called  to  establish  churches  in  different places. In fact, a lot of people that are referred to as Pastors today are not really pure pastors. A lot of them have apostolic call. The Bible also talks about the fruit of an apostolic ministry:  

(1Corinthians 9:1, 2 KJV)  

Am  I not an apostle? am  I not  free? have  I not seen  Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work  in  the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. 

Genuine  New  Testament  Apostles  do  not  need  to  go  around  churches  announcing  that  they  are Apostles.  Their  works  speak  clearly  for  them.  The  impact  of  their  commission  communicates  the authenticity of  their  call. You don’t need  to be addressed by  the  title but  rather  let  the  fruit of your ministry do the speaking. 

Names  and  titles  can  become  a major  distraction.  It  is  better  to  put  your  attention  on  adequate preparation that will help you develop an effective ministry. An apostle is first and foremost a preacher 

28 

 

or  a  teacher  of  the word  or  both.  It  is worthy  of note  that more  than  often  people  called  into  this ministry have a deep experience with the Lord.  

For example Apostle Paul had such an unusual experience with the Lord. Starting with the way He was converted and also the way the Lord Jesus Christ taught Him the deep truths of the New Testament as revealed in His epistles. He literally learned the gospel by revelation.  

(Galatians 1:11, 12 KJV) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

An example of an Apostle in the past century is Smith Wigglesworth who was regarded as an Apostle of faith. Lester Sumrall is another great example of an Apostle that lived in the twentieth century. People that are referred to as missionaries are really Apostles by calling a lot of times. 

There are four classes of Apostles 

1. Jesus, the Chief Apostle – Jesus is the only one in this class. Hebrews 3:1 calls Him the Apostle and the High Priest of our  confession. He was  the  “Sent One”  to make  atonement  for  the  sins of  the whole world. No other apostle will ever have that calling. 

2. Apostles of the Lamb – These are the twelve apostles who were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, burial and resurrection (Acts 1:21,22). Their purpose  is to witness and give testimony of the  life and ministry of Jesus. (Rev 21:14 KJV) And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and  in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 

3. New Testament Apostles – These are the foundational apostles apart from the Apostles of the Lamb that were sent of God to pioneer the move of God in the early Church.  

Apostle  Paul  is  in  this  class.  The  list  also  includes  Barnabas  (Acts  14:14),  James,  the  Lord’s  brother (Galatians 1:19), Apollos  (I Corinthians 4:4‐9), Epaphroditus  (Philippians 2:25) etc. These Apostles are often referred to as “messengers” in the New Testament epistles. 

4. Apostles of today – All the Apostles that have been called into the body of Christ after the era of the early  church  fall  into  this  category.  They  are  called  to  found  and  establish  individual  local  churches throughout the world, to go into new territories and to proclaim a major message. 

There are at least four attributes common to every one called to an apostolic ministry 

1. He or she is a preacher or teacher of the Word or both. 

2. Strong manifestations of the gifts of the spirit especially power gifts. 

3. Deep personal experience with the Lord 

4. Ability to provide adequate spiritual leadership 

29 

 

THE OFFICE OF A PROPHET 

The  ministry  gift  of  a  prophet  is  the  only  one  among  the  five‐fold  ministry  gift  that  was  also  in manifestation in the Old Testament. However, the operations of a prophet in the Old Testament is very different  from  that of  the New Testament. Under  the Old Testament,  the people depended on  their prophets where for divine direction is concerned. Operations are different in the New Testament.  

Believers are directly led by the Spirit of God – Romans 8:14, 16. A prophet in the New Testament only confirmed the  leading of the Spirit of God and he generally sensitizes the people of God to follow the will of God.   A prophet  is primarily a preacher or a  teacher of  the Word or both. He does not  just go around foretelling the future. He preaches or/and teaches the word of God. 

However, he  is anointed  to walk  in a great measure of  consistency where  the  revelatory gifts of  the Spirit are concerned. These gifts are known as word of knowledge, word of wisdom and discerning of spirits. He is also anointed to walk in the gift of prophecy. Just because somebody prophesies does not make him a prophet. A prophet uses prophecy as a vehicle to express the revelatory gifts of the spirit that are at work in his life. 

The three revelatory gifts: 

1. Word of Wisdom:  Supernatural  revelation by  the Holy  Spirit  concerning  the divine purpose  in  the mind and will of God. It speaks of the future. 

2. Word of knowledge: Supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit of facts in the mind of God concerning people, places or things. It speaks of the present or past. 

3. Discerning of spirits: Supernatural insight into the realm of spirits. It involves seeing into and hearing from the spirit realm. The manifestation of these revelatory gifts and prophecy  in a believer’s  life does not make him a prophet.  

There  is a high degree of consistency  that  is experienced  in  the ministry of a prophet. Above this you must have a distinct call  to  the office of a prophet  to be a prophet. Apart  from  the manifestations of revelatory gifts of the Spirit, a prophet has visions and revelations. There are three types of revelations and three types of visions. The highest type of revelation and the lowest type of vision are similar. 

1. Spiritual Vision: This  type of vision  involves seeing with  the eyes of  the spirit  into  the  realm of  the spirit (not physical eyes). It is the lowest type of vision. 

2. Trance: In this type of vision, the physical senses are suspended while seeing into the spirit realm. This does not mean  the person becomes unconscious but he  is  just more aware of  the  realm of  the spirit than the physical. It is the second highest type of vision. 

3. Open Vision: In this type of vision, the physical senses are not suspended at all. The person actually possesses  all  his  physical  capabilities,  yet  he  sees  into  and  hears  in  the  realm  of  the  spirit.  It  is  the highest type of vision.  

30 

 

The office of a prophet  is often equipped with  the  supernatural ministry of  laying of hands. This  is a special ministry  of  impartation  through which  the  anointing  is  communicated  to  achieve  a  definite purpose. 

(Deut 34:9 KJV) And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses. 

(1Timothy 4:14 KJV) Neglect not  the gift  that  is  in  thee, which was given  thee by prophecy, with  the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 

Another special ministry that  is often associated with the ministry of a prophet  is the healing ministry. This can be through the vehicle of ministry of  laying on of hands or by the gifts of healing. Sometimes the prophet does operate in the place of a foreteller. This is the gift of the word of wisdom in operation. 

(Acts 11:28 KJV) And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.  

(Acts  21:10,  11  KJV)  And  as  we  tarried  there many  days,  there  came  down  from  Judaea  a  certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 

People called into the ministry of a prophet have to be careful not to give heed to familiar spirit. Don’t ever try to speak when God  is not speaking. You are not a performer, but a vehicle through which the Holy Spirit manifests. A prophet must  learn to put the word of God  in the first place above the gifts of the Spirit. Remember, a prophet is first and foremost a teacher/ preacher of the Word.  

You don’t have to prophesy or foretell every time. It is as the Spirit leads. There is also a manifestation of the anointing of a prophet through inspirational preaching and teaching by revelation. A prophet has a responsibility to maintain a close fellowship with the Lord so that He will always be in a position to pick up the voice and direction of the Spirit when God desires to speak or reveal something to him. 

THE OFFICE OF AN EVANGELIST 

The word “evangelist” is: One who brings the evangel (the good news); a messenger of good tidings. An evangelist  is  anointed  to  bring  the message  of  salvation  in  its  simplest  form  and  yet with  a  strong conviction that leads to conversion of souls. He is a preacher of the redeeming grace of God.  

Philip, who was originally one of the seven deacons that were set apart for the ministry of helps in Acts chapter 6 was  later  referred  to as an evangelist  in Acts 21:8. The eighth chapter of  the book of Acts clearly shows the signs of an evangelist in the ministry of Philip. 

 

31 

 

(Acts 8:5‐8 KJV) Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean  spirits, crying with  loud voice, came out of many  that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were  lame, were healed. And there was great  joy  in that city. 

(Acts 8:35 KJV) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 

One notable characteristic of evangelists  is that they always preach Christ. Another  important element in  the ministry  of  an  evangelist  is  the miraculous.  Evangelists  have  supernatural  equipments which includes “miracles” and “gifts of healings.” 

(Acts 8:6 KJV) And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 

They need this supernatural equipment because they deal with supernaturally dead people who will not believe unless they see something spectacular ‐ (John 4:48 KJV) Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 

God uses the signs and wonders  in the ministry of evangelists to advertise the message of the cross. It takes such divine power to draw a crowd. Miracles and healings arrest and compel people’s attention. However, it is the believing and confessing of the Word that get them saved. 

(Acts 8:12 KJV) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 

One of the reasons why a lot of believers are not grounded today is because they stop at the ministry of an evangelist. There  is a need  for other ministry gifts such as  teachers and pastors  to come  into play after the evangelist has preached new birth and conversion before believers can be matured in Christ.  

In the early Church after the ministry of Philip, the evangelist in Samaria, other ministry gifts were sent there to confirm the saints that were newly converted. 

(Acts 8:14 KJV) Now when  the apostles which were at  Jerusalem heard  that Samaria had received  the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 

Believers will never learn the operations of the kingdom of God if they are only exposed to evangelists. It takes  the knowledge of  the Word  through  the ministries of other ministry gifts  to equip  the saints so that they can do the work of the ministry. 

 

 

32 

 

THE OFFICE OF A PASTOR 

The  Greek  word  translated  “pastor”  literally  means  shepherd”.  There  are  many  references  to  the pastoral office in the New Testament with the use of terminologies such as elders and bishops. 

(John 10:11 KJV) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 

Jesus is the greatest example of a true pastor and shepherd. He cared so much for the sheep that he laid down  His  life  for  them.  There  are  several  references  to  the  pastoral ministry  of  Jesus  in  the  New Testament. 

(1Peter 2:25 KJV) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your  souls.  (1Peter 5:4 KJV) And when  the chief Shepherd  shall appear, ye  shall  receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 

(Hebrews 13:20 KJV) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant 

The primary assignment of the pastor  is to have oversight of the flock.  It requires the anointing of the Holy Spirit to achieve this. A pastor is anointed to tend, feed and guide the flock. The most outstanding characteristic of a pastor is a shepherd’s heart that genuinely cares for the flock. 

(Acts 20:28 KJV) Take heed  therefore unto yourselves, and  to all  the  flock, over which  the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 

The  Greek word  translated  Overseer  here  is  episkopos.  This word  is  also  translated  as  bishop  in  1 Timothy 3:1. (1Timothy 3:1 KJV) This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. It is wrong to put the board of deacons over a local assembly. This practice will compromise the anointing of a local assembly because it is a form of disorder. 

1 Timothy 3:2, 3  lists  the qualities  that must be present  in a pastor: blameless, husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality apt to teach, not given to wine, not greedy of filthy lucre.  

The office of a pastor is a noble one that requires a great deal of integrity and strong character. So if you feel God is calling you to a pastoral ministry, you must be committed to building your character.  

It is the duty of the flock to support the pastor. However, the pastor is not to serve for filthy lucre. His motive must be to serve God and to put the people first. 

(1Timothy 5:17 KJV) Let  the elders  that  rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially  they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

 

 

33 

 

(1Timothy 5:17 KJV) Let  the elders  that  rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially  they who labour in the word and doctrine.  

(Romans 15:27 KJV) It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 

(1Corinthians 9:11 KJV) If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 

(1Peter  5:2  KJV)  Feed  the  flock  of  God  which  is  among  you,  taking  the  oversight  thereof,  not  by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 

THE OFFICE OF A TEACHER 

The ministry gift of a teacher is a supernatural endowment that enables ministers to teach the word of God  so clearly  that  it can be understood by members of  the body of Christ. Ministers  that are called solely  to  this  office  often  travel  around  teaching members  of  the  body  of  Christ  in  different  local assemblies. An example of New Testament teacher is Barnabas 

(Acts 11:26 KJV) And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 

This ministry gift should not be confused with “Sunday School teachers”. People called  into this office are full time ministry gifts with a divine gift to impart the knowledge of the Word. So many times we see pastors that are also called  into the ministry office of a teacher. An example of this  is Pastor K.C Price and Pastor Creflo Dollar  Jr.  It  is also worthy of note  that  there  is always an emphasis concerning  the messages of a teacher. E.g Pastor K.C Price focuses on Faith while Pastor Creflo Dollar Jr. is anointed to teach on finances. There are also cases of Prophets and Teachers e.g Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin who was an apostle of faith. His materials (books and tapes) on faith have made a tremendous impart on Christianity worldwide where the subject of faith is concerned over the last sixty years. A teacher is not a teacher by virtue of natural ability or a natural inclination to teach. Natural ability may provide a background but it is majorly about an anointing to communicate the word of God. Paul described the teaching ministry as watering. 

(1Corinthians 3:6, 7 KJV) I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the  increase. So then neither  is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 

(Acts 18:27, 28 KJV) And when he was disposed to pass  into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. 

A true teacher of the gospel will never teach doctrinal error which will split the Body of Christ. He will not cause division by what he teaches. 

34 

 

 

VARIETY AND BALANCE 

(Ephesians 4:11 KJV) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

(Romans 12:4‐8 KJV) For as we have many members  in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Ephesians 4:11 lists the fivefold ministry gifts while Romans 12:4‐8 contain a list of supportive ministries. The  fullest measure of  the breadth of ministry Christ gave  to  the Church  in ministry gifts will be as a result of collaborative effort of the fivefold and supportive ministries. Both of them must learn to work hand  in hand for the full purpose of God to be accomplished. Competition among the fivefold ministry gift  is a major distraction that the body of Christ cannot afford now. We simply need one another. We are  not  called  to  compete  against  one  another  but  to  complement  one  another.  Pastors,  prophets, evangelists and  teachers need apostles  to  take new  territories  for  Jesus  so  that  the  kingdom of God could expand on earth.  

Pastors need evangelists  to win  the  souls and  the evangelist needs pastors  to care  for  the converted souls. Prophet are needed to demonstrate the power of God. And without the teachers of the word the body of Christ will be full of babes that are ignorant of the truth. It is all about mutual respects. None of these  gifts  is  less  than  the  rest.  They  are  all  equally  needed.  And  of  course without  the  supportive ministries such as ministry of helps, giving and exhortation the five‐fold ministries will be distracted from what  they should be  focusing on.  It  is  time  for each ministry  to magnify  its office and yet realize  that there is no part of the body that is insignificant. 

(Romans 11:13 KJV) For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 

(1Corinthians 12:14‐25 KJV) For the body  is not one member, but many.  If the foot shall say, because  I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, because I am not  the eye,  I am not of  the body;  is  it  therefore not of  the body?  If  the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were  the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand,  I have no need of  thee: nor again the head  to the  feet,  I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of  the body, which seem  to be more  feeble, are necessary: And  those members of  the body, which we  think  to be  less honourable, upon  these we bestow more abundant honour; and our 

35 

 

uncomely  parts  have more  abundant  comeliness.  For  our  comely  parts  have  no  need:  but God  hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 

Quiz *Provide scriptural references while answering these questions. 1. What do you understand by the term ‘five-fold ministry gifts’? 2. What are the different categories of spiritual gifts? 3. (Romans 11:29 KJV) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Explain 4. Give a brief description of any three of the five-fold ministry gifts. 5. Discuss the prevalent gifts that characterize the office of a prophet. 6. What are the different kinds of supernatural vision? 7. What are the different areas where faithfulness is required in ministry? 8. What is the relevance of the ministry of helps in the body of Christ? 9. Discuss with scriptural references, the office of an Evangelist. 10. What do you understand by balance and variety within the ministry gifts?

 

                          

36 

 

KINGSWORD MINISTERIAL ACADEMY

BASIC MINISTERIAL STUDIES

CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY PROGRAM

CM 103 - EVANGELISM & MISSION CLASS 1- Evangelism Objective: To instruct on the importance of the great commission and how to practically share the Christian faith to the unsaved. Outline:

The Great Commission Power Evangelism Community Evangelism Contemporary Evangelism Practical keys to effective evangelism

THE GREAT COMMISION

The last words of a dying man are usually the most important things to him. The last thing that Jesus authorized his followers to do before He returned to the father was; “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”- Mark 16:15. This is Christ’s instruction for each of His followers, this is the great opportunity that He offers believers, this is every Christian’s privilege, purpose and ministry. When God’s love overflowed to the point that He gave His only begotten son for our redemption, it was for the whole world, so that whosoever believes in him will not perish but will have everlasting life (John 3:16). The Lord Jesus left us no privilege greater than to announce the gospel to every creature. This is the mission to which the first century Christians devoted themselves. They understood their calling. They continued the same ministry that Christ began. They knew that He was living in them, doing the same things that He did before He was crucified. (Mark 16:20 KJV) And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. We are commanded to live and breathe for this one purpose. To share the gospel with the greatest possible number of people, by every means at our disposal. We are to “go” in

37 

 

every possible way. We will not only use our voices as Christ speaks through us but we will also use the channels of mass media, print media, website and every form of gospel dissemination that we can employ. (Mark 16:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Jesus said, preach the gospel to every creature. To reach them, we must go to them – wherever they are. Christians do not need a special call to do what Christ has authorized them to do. They only need to see the world as Christ sees it and to accept the fact that they are His chosen ambassadors or representatives in any nation or community where they may choose to establish themselves. (2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. He had asked whom shall I send and who will go for us? (Isaiah 6:8), any believer concerned about this question can answer with Isaiah “Here I am send me (Isaiah 6:8). Every follower of Christ has His authority to go and share the gospel with as many people as he or she can reach. The call has already been given. The opportunities are plentiful. The need is urgent, success is assured. As Christ’s ambassadors, the Christian believer is authorized to take action as his representative and needs no further calling. Evangelism is the order of the day, the need of the hour. If we do not preach, souls cannot be saved! Romans 10:14,15. POWER EVANGELISM Jesus said “without signs and wonders you will not believe”. John 4:48. Power evangelism implies modes and styles of evangelism that involves the demonstration of God’s power to get the attention of unbelievers and appeal to their physical senses so that they can receive the gospel and be saved. Miracles will attract unbelievers and get them interested in hearing the message of the gospel. Jesus made it clear that the purpose of the many miracles that he performed was to help men believe in him so they can be saved. (John 14:11). Demonstration of God’s power is a recommended method of advertising the gospel all through the New Testament. Jesus said signs and wonders would follow those that believe (Mark 16:17). Power evangelism could occur in various ways which could involve healings, miracles, and demonstration of God’s Spirit. A typical example of how Jesus got the attention of unbelievers was at the city of Sychar with the Samaritan woman. Other examples: Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:6-8KJV) And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits,crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.

38 

 

Peter and John at the gate of the temple (Acts 3:6-8 KJV) Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. Believers are to desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit which are vital tools of advertising the gospel (1 Corinthians 12:31). God is always willing to demonstrate His power through any believer who is willing. We are the body of Christ and God longs to demonstrate his power through us so that all men can believe and be saved. (1 Corinthians 2:4,5 KJV) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. The supernatural and the miraculous play a major role in bringing people to the saving knowledge of Christ. COMMUNITY EVANGELISM Jesus said “let your light so shine before men so they can see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” As believers we need to realize that it is not enough for us to be “light” we must let our light shine before all men so they can be attracted to Jesus and so they can receive salvation. Jesus will not come down physically to preach the gospel. (Romans 10:6-8 KJV) But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise,Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach We are the body of Christ and we must use every avenue to reach the world with the gospel of Christ. Community evangelism involves doing “good works” as a way of attracting the unsaved to Jesus. Such good works includes providing free healthcare services, feeding the poor, organizing children parties, cleaning or repairing of roads, organizing sports festivals etc. We must establish our presence in any community we find ourselves. We must use every means to make our presence and impact felt in our communities. (Matthew 25:35-40 KJV) For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

39 

 

CONTEMPORARY EVANGELISM We are called to preach the gospel at all cost and through every available means. The gospel remains the same because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. However, our method of evangelism may change from time to time to accommodate cultural changes and changes in the mindset of the people. Not only must we evangelize in ways that must not turn our target population off but we must evangelize in ways that would appeal to their cultures and ways of thinking and seeing things. We must be contemporary in our method of evangelism to reach as many cultures and as many people as possible. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22 KJV) For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law,that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Let us examine some contemporary evangelistic methods that should get us started in our goal to reach as many people as possible. RELATIONSHIP EVANGELISM Loneliness and a sense of detachment has become a major disease in our modern world. Lack of personal touch and contact has become a major problem in our fast-paced world. However, we need to develop significant living and non-imposing relationship with unbelievers. We need to establish our presence in the lives of our potential converts while interceding for them. The message of the gospel can then be clearly and simply communicated at opportune times. THE INTELLECTUAL STYLE OF EVANGELISM Many people today have become increasingly atavistic, thinking that there are many “truth” but being highly skeptical about anything claiming to be absolute “truth”. Among the younger generations people tend to be more experimental in their approach to deciding to believe. They are often more pragmatic and search out what seems to be working in the lives of their friends and others they respect. We must not back down and agree to stop talking about why we believe what we believe. The intellectual style involves appealing to the reasoning of our targets. Our role as intellectual style evangelists is to help people understand what obtains in the spiritual realm. In our services and our programs we must have seasons dedicated to answering the questions of the unsaved. We must not wave there questions aside but do everything to explain the truth based on God’s word. CREATIVE ART EVANGELISM This involves using creative art such as choreography and drama to communicate our message to the unsaved. Illustrated sermons can also be used in painting our message to the world. Other styles are contemporary styles, testimonial styles and invitational styles.

40 

 

PRACTICAL KEYS TO EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM 1. Let the love of God compel you to share the gospel to people that you come in contact with. (2 Corinthians 5:14,15 KJV) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2. Know the Word of God, especially the essential scriptures about the gospel. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 3. Stay filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit supplies the power to be an effective witness. (Acts 1:8 KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 4. Stay “prayed up”. Ask God daily to lead you to people that need to hear the gospel. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5. Don’t get caught up in temporal things but stay ready to witness to people about eternal matters. (2 Peter 3:8 KJV) But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 6. Be always ready to give a defense of your faith and declare the Lordship of Jesus in your life. (1 Peter 3:15 KJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. 7. Ensure that new converts are planted in a local church so that discipleship can be systematically and successfully achieved. Jesus commissioned His followers to not only go and preach the gospel, but also to go and make disciples! Disciplined believers – trained to follow Christ in all things. (Hebrews 10:25 KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  

 

 

41 

 

CLASS 2 - Mission Objective: To instruct on the importance, essentials and relevance of missions, as regarding the assignment of the Church towards the unreached.  

Outline: The foundation of mission Mission & Culture Church Planting Mission Field

 

THE FOUNDATION OF MISSION What is mission? Missions involve taking the gospel to locations or nations where the name of Christ is not known. A missionary is a person who is sent to a foreign location or country to preach and to teach the gospel often involving the establishment of churches. Such people have an apostolic mandate to preach the gospel. An apostle means ‘the sent one’. Believers need to understand that we are all sent to the whole earth to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). We are not just sent to our native country, we are sent to preach the gospel to every creature and in nations far from our native countries (Matthew 28:19). Believers who cannot go to other nations must empower others financially and otherwise, so that the gospel may be preached without hindrance in every nation. Let us examine a great missionary motto so as to have a better understanding of the importance of reaching the world. The motto is “the supreme task of the church is the evangelization of the world”. The supreme task of the church is the evangelization of the world. When God loved, He loved the world, when he gave His son, He gave His son to the whole world. When Jesus Christ died He died for the world. God’s vision is a world vision- that is the vision He wants us to have. So many of us are localized in our outlook. We see only our own community, our own village or town, and we never see beyond. There are those who think of their own church only and have no interest in what others are doing. We must be interested in what is going on in other cities, other nations and other continents. One of the major conditions that must be fulfilled before the second coming of Jesus is that the gospel must be preached in all nations before Jesus can return to earth. (Matthew 24:14 KJV) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. If we put evangelism first, then we will give more to missions than to anything thing else. Every man, woman, boy, girl must be involved in missions. The work is far too important to hand over

42 

 

to one organization, it belongs to the whole Church and when everyone catches the vision and everyone does something, then our goal is reached. The Source of Mission There is a need to realize the mission is not primarily man’s idea. In fact, mission is deeply rooted in the nature of God. Ever since the first family were sent out of the Garden of delight and pleasure – Eden, God’s mission for the planet has always been, reconciling man back to his original estate. The covenant was established for the singular purpose of bringing man into his original place and purpose.

Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said: "I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows

In the book of Exodus we see God’s mission of deliverance where Israel is concerned. God heard the cries of affliction of His covenant people and sent Moses on a mission to bring them out of their bondage into a place of freedom. God’s commitment to mission is written all over the scriptures in both old and new testaments. Mission is a product of the love of God. It is simply God reaching out to humanity in his lost state to establish reconnection and reconciliation.

Galatians 4:4,5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. The message of the cross is mission at work. God sent His only son to bring man out of darkness into His marvelous light. The Bible shows us the amount of work that God put into this ultimate mission of man’s salvation. Prophesies were spoken for hundreds of years where this great mission was concerned. Until the fullness of time when Jesus was sent into the world to bring man out of his miseries. The Power of Mission

Acts 1:8 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

It is imperative that every believer understands the place of the Holy spirit in mission. Often time people show up in the mission field without the understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been given the charge of the present dispensation and without Him a believer is very limited in His Christian work. Any form of ministry work without the involvement and guidance of the Holy Spirit is bound to end up in futility.

The first thing that must be understood is where the Holy Spirit is sending you to. You cannot afford to show up on the mission field without being “sent”. Just because you sense a need in a

43 

 

place does not indicate you are being called to do mission there. You need to get a clear direction from God before you decide to go on mission to any field.

Act 16:6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.

Apostle Paul was forbidden by God to embark on a mission trip to Asia in the above scripture. God definitely had a different plan for the region. It was obvious that Paul felt a need, however this was not in God’s plan. It is a dangerous thing to show up in a place without being sent. Always make sure you ask the Holy Spirit before you set out on a mission.

Act 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

Is it not interesting to note that shortly after Paul was forbidden to go to Asia, he had another encounter with God where God gave him a clear direction to embark on a mission to Macedonia. You cannot afford to allow zeal to be your guide where mission is concerned. You must be led by the Spirit of God.

There are two categories of people in the different mission fields of the world today: “the sent and the went.” The sent are those whose assignment was inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit while the went are the ones that showed up because of other reasons. If you believe that God will have you to be on the mission field then take time to find out where exactly He needs you to go.

Another important aspect of the power of mission is the enabling power of the Spirit that supplies the supernatural ingredient for mission. As a missionary, you will need the power of the Spirit in order to have an impactful ministry. There are gifts of the Spirit that makes your mission work attractive and appealing. In addition, you might need the operation of certain gifts of the spirit because of the peculiarity of your mission field.

It is essential for a missionary or a missionary in training to have a strong fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Your relationship with the Holy Spirit should be at a level that makes it natural to make a withdrawal of His power for your mission. Mission without the power of the Holy Spirit will be stressful. In fact, it is simply toiling.

MISSION AND CULTURE

Culture is the sum of attitudes, customs, and beliefs that distinguishes one group of people from another. Cultures may be defined as different perceptions of reality. Culture must be defined in terms of diversity in order to avoid the error of interpreting all realities of the world in terms of one’s perception of reality. Culture is transmitted, through language, material objects, ritual, institutions, and art, from one generation to the next. Missionaries cannot effectively communicate the gospel across boundaries without first understanding the nature of culture.

44 

 

Until a missionary understands that every culture is a different perception of reality his effectiveness on the mission field is negatively impacted. An understanding of cultural validity helps the missionary to realize that all cultures have strengths and weaknesses. Self evaluation and personal identification will help a missionary to overcome culture shock so that they will be able to minister effectively in a cross-cultural context.

Culture Shock Culture Shock is experienced when people move from one cultural context to another. It is a form of disorientation that is precipitated by the anxiety that results from losing all our familiar signs and symbols of social intercourse. Although Christian love is able to lead missionaries to respect and interrelate with the people, Christian love does not exempt missionaries from the effects of culture shock. A good example in the way people greet. While hand shaking and hugging are freely practiced in some cultures they are forbidden in other in some other cultures.

Cross- Culturalism This refers to the learned skill of relating to people of other cultures within the contexts of their cultures. This is beyond just learning the culture by reading books or watching documentaries. You must be determined to go out into the community with a ready mind to learn and practice what you learn. Becoming cross-cultural requires many hours of listening, speaking, observing, asking, and experiencing – all within the local cultural context.

Cross-culturalists perceive that cultures have both strengths and weaknesses and take other cultures as seriously as their own. They learn to recognize cultural strengths and weaknesses, empathizing with the people, rather than criticizing their culture. Cross-cultural missionaries model their cultural adaptation after that of Christ. 1Corinthians 9:20 - and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law.

Cross-cultural missionaries treat those of other cultures as equals, just as they would those of their culture. The last thing that you need on the mission field is some kind of superiority feeling. You cannot afford to look down on any culture or cultural group. This is a spirit of division that will compromise any mission work.

Ephesians 2:14 - for He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.

CHURCH PLANTING

Church Planting is a major aspect of mission work. The people that have been impacted need to be well disciple for mission work to be effective. Christian maturity can only be achieved when strong churches are in place.

45 

 

What is a Church?

A church is a group of born again believers in Christ who meet regularly for biblical worship and are led by shepherds who preach the Word and lead the congregation toward the purpose of glorifying God by fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission and Greatest Commandments.

-A church: This refers to the universal church (all born again believers), but more commonly it refers to a local church, which is our meaning. (1 Pet 2:9, 1Cor 1:2)

-is a group of born again believers: This distinguishes the true church from groups and cults that can wrongly label themselves a “church.”

-who meet regularly for biblical worship: Usually this means meeting at least weekly to practice such things as singing, prayer, the Ordinances, exhorting and encouraging each other, giving and other forms of worship, and exercising spiritual gifts.

-are led by shepherds: These leaders are more commonly called "elders" (PRESBUTEROS) signifying leaders with mature spiritual experience. In the New Testament, the term "elder," is always plural except for two times when it refers to the office of elder.

-who preach the Word and lead the congregation: Usually there is one primary teaching and leading shepherd/elder (1 Tim 5:17) and others who are "able to teach" (1 Tim 3:2) but who handle other ministry responsibilities and assist in leadership (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

-toward the purpose of glorifying God by fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission: Every believer and every church should "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19-20). Thus, the church’s objective is to spread to all people the joy of knowing and serving Christ.

-and Greatest Commandments: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Matthew 22:37-39). That being so, every church should seek to obey His Great Commandments.

Principles of Church Planting

Effective Church planting require strong prayer foundation; a clear vision from God, dynamic leadership, strategic planning and a practical discipleship program.

There are 12 Biblical principles of Church Planting:

1. The Boss Principle Christ is Lord of church planting, and He has a vision for your new church. 2. The Power Principle Prayer is the indispensable source of God’s power and wisdom in each phase of church planting.

46 

 

3. The Nehemiah Principle God’s vision must lead to prayerful planning, the result of which should be a comprehensive task list set out upon a timeline. 4. The Barnabas Principle Every church planter needs a mentor. A mentor is someone who has been where you want to go and is willing to help you get there. 5. The Team Leader Principle The church planting pastor is most effective as part of a team on which he serves as the visionary leader. 6. The Mission Principle The central work of the new church will always be to help people put their trust in Christ and grow into maturity as His followers. 7. The Leadership Principle Leadership development lies at the heart of the new church’s mission and the most important leadership quality to develop is spiritual maturity. 8. The Bridge Principle Understanding (and communicating sensitively to) the hearts and minds of people in the target community is essential to reaching them effectively with the Gospel. 9. The Magnet Principle When God plants a church there should be widespread community awareness and interest. 10. The Balance Principle The church planter’s walk with God, family life and ministry must be in Biblical balance. 11. The Multiplication Principle Healthy churches will reproduce and daughter church planting should be envisioned and planned from the new church’s beginning. 12. The Joseph Principle Attending to organizational and administrative matters will protect and stabilize the new church.

MISSION FIELD

The world can be divided into three major slices. World A comprises of people who have never heard of the saving power of the blood of Jesus and have no access to the gospel. Those of world A are called unreached or unevangelized. World B is made up of those who have heard the message of the gospel but have rejected it. These people are called evangelized non-Christians. World C is composed of those who have accepted the gospel and claim to be Christians.

The words unreached and unevangelized are given special significance by unreached people’s advocates. The unevangelized must be given an opportunity to respond to the gospel. The unreached, despite cultural, linguistic, political barriers, must be reached with the Good news of the kingdom. The unreached are estimated to be about 2 billion people. These people have never heard of Jesus as savior, and are not within reach of Christians of their own. There are, in fact,

47 

 

some 2000 people groups or nationalities in which there is not yet a vital, indigineous church movement.

The 10/40 Window

The “10/40 window” extends from ten to forty degrees north of the equator and stretches from North Africa through the Middle East to China and Japan. Because this area is largely unreached by Christian missions, it constitutes the “core challenge” for world evangelization.

Almost all of the fifty-five most unevangelized countries the world are in this sector of the world. Although the three billion people living in these fifty-five countries constitute 57 percent of the world's population, only 18 percent of all missionaries minister there. Besides being unreached, peoples living in the 10/40 Window exhibit a number of other characteristics.

All three major non-Christian religions-Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism-originated in the 10140 Window and have their greatest strength there. The poorest of the poor live in this part of the world. More than eight out of ten of the poorest people of the world, those whose yearly income is less than $500, live in the 10140 Window. The majority of the unreached people live in the poorest countries of the world, demonstrating a correlation between poverty and being lost. The gospel however has always been "good news to the poor" (Luke4:18). Finally, Satan has a significant stranglehold on this area of the world. The people living in the 10/40 window have suffered not only hunger and a lower quality of life compared with the rest of humanity, but have also been kept from the transforming, life giving, community changing power of the gospel.  In this part of the world the "gospel is veiled" because "the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2Cor. 4:3-4)  God's people must seek to break these strongholds of Satan. They must reflect the ministry of Christ by proclaiming "good news to the poor" and "release [to] the oppressed" (Luke 418).

North India, described by many as "the most spiritually dark place on earth," is an example of an area of unreached peoples. While most missionaries to India work among tribal and outcast groups, the Hindu core of the nation (65 percent of the population) and the Muslim minority (15 percent) are notably neglected.

Beyond the typical cross-cultural barrier of language and culture, antagonistic religious, political, and caste barriers hinder Christianity's entry into and evangelization of North 1ndian cultures. For example, the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, the center of Hindu pilgrimages in the Himalayas, has no sustained Christian presence. In the adjoining state of Havana pioneering

48 

 

mission work occurring among large castes though the church is less than one percent of the population.

Generally the growth of the church among Hindi people of northern India is “disturbingly slow”. People from tribal groups and lower castes are more receptive than those of middle and upper castes. 

Quiz *Provide scriptural references while answering these questions. 1. (Mark 16:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Explain 2. What do you understand by the term ‘Power Evangelism’? 3. (Mark 16:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Explain 4. What is the connection between mission and culture? 5. What is the relevance of community evangelism in the New Testament Church? 6. Discuss the practical keys to effective evangelism. 7. Define the term ‘New Testament Church’. 8. What is the relevance of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in mission work? 9. What are the different biblical principles of church planting? 10. What do you understand by 10/40 window?