Systematic Synthesis of My Theology - Essay Example

Systematic Synthesis of My Theology Synthesis of My Theology Paul’s Beliefs on Ministering for God Paul, a follower of Jesus was a man of courage. He could face anything, other than see himself as any less of an official leader or shepherd of God’s flock. Paul was seen from two aspects; the believer, who was running the race, and the apostle, who was enlisting others in the race while encouraging them to follow the rules (Wiersbe, 2007). Paul feared most, not failing to go to heaven considering he was already a follower of Jesus, but to be put on the list, of persons who failed to follow the will of God. He was afraid of losing his ministry, and the price that Jesus would grant him at the end. One time, while Paul was facing execution, he wrote a letter confirming that his death would be a continuation of the gospel (Tidball, 2008). Paul did not have his well-being in mind, but rather, he wanted the gospel to be proclaimed in Rome. This shows how dear Paul held his role as a minister. From the letters of Paul, the mission that apostles had was to take care of the flock of God. Peter was another apostle of God whose concern especially lay on the style of leadership of church elders (Tidball, 2008). Elders had the role of overseeing the church, which prompted them to have in mind the heavy responsibility in their hands. Peter confirmed that there were rewards that came with serving God. The reward was mainly a peaceful mind and the joy of serving others (Wiersbe, 2007). Ministering on a Wider Scope The apostles mentioned above are merely examples of what a minister in Christ should do. The determination to broaden the ministry of God is important (Wiersbe, 2007). As a lesson from Paul the apostle, a minister should hold dearest his ministry. One should consider it the most important aspect and should not give it up whatsoever. Ministering to others about God, should be a matter of priority, even before their wellbeing (Tidball, 2008). Christian ministers are urged to keep off domineering the flock of God while ministering. Once a minister of God has gained recognition from many, he may get tempted to enjoy the recognition and replace it with an arrogant desire to serve for status. Ministers are encouraged to fight off such temptations. They are required to carry an attitude of humility everywhere they go, like the servant who even after carrying out his entire master’s work in the fields, still had the notion that he was an unworthy servant (Wiersbe, 2007). Peter emphasized on the joy of serving. Christian ministers should have in mind that on the re-appearance of Jesus, worthy leaders will receive a crown of glory that will forever stay. The crown of glory is a metaphor for the reward that comes with serving God (Wiersbe, 2007). The ‘crown’ is an eternal gift and suggests that it will be a gift, open to all to see. Peter reminds the church elders about shepherding too. Peter makes it clear that while looking after God’s flock, the elders are not originally in charge of the flock, but are servants of the chief shepherd. On the same, the leaders of the church leaders are encouraged to impose leadership that comes from below, rather than one that imposes from above (Tidball, 2008). From a literal point of view, a shepherd usually protects his flock from dangers such as thieves, wild animals or keeping them from wandering off in their stupidity (Wiersbe, 2007). He helps to feed them, and to find the lost flock, even at personal risk. All this entails exactly what a shepherd of God should do. He should keep the flock, who are people from wandering away from God’s word and keeping them away from evil ways. The New Testament usually refrains from mentioning if the leaders of the church were priests (Tidball, 2008). This, however, does not draw an implication that it cannot happen. Peter demonstrates an outlook of the church where everyone is a priest, but where a few are called to exercise the role of an elder or shepherd. Within the wider scope of priesthood, Peter believes only in one form of ministry in the church (Wiersbe, 2007). He only believes in elders acting as the caretakers or shepherds of the flock. Peter was seen to value the title of ‘elder’ and the perspective of ministering more than anything else. He explains that a shepherd is not only a leader, but also an example to his flock. Peter mainly keeps his focus on the glory to come (Tidball, 2008). John on the other hand, wrote his letters on Christian leadership in a way that demonstrated not wielding to authority. John believed in working alongside the flock and gently guiding them on every step. Christians and Ministering Christian ministers are urged to find joy in serving God. Ministering can be quite taxing, but more fulfilling. It is described as an undertaking with many trials and yet one that has its triumphs and joys (Tidball, 2008). A Christian minister should delight in ministering the word of God. Firstly, one finds peace in knowing that they are undertaking the correct mission by serving God (Wiersbe, 2007). God mightily blesses people that delight in serving Him from their hearts, and those that make serving Him a priority. Another joy that Christians earn from ministering is the chance to grow like God. The fact that a Christian is always following the will of God, gives one a chance to grow in what he does, giving the chance to grow being more like him (Wiersbe, 2007). Christians are also reminded that God blesses more, a soul that is closer to the image of Jesus, than one with great talents. Another joy earned while serving God is helping others know him, and live for him. God might hand in trials that will help a minister inspire the life of a person in his flock. God ensures that no effort of a minister is wasted, if the minister does his ministering in a way that is bound to fulfill the will of God. The fourth joy that is earned while ministering to God is having the assurance that all that happens to you while ministering is all that God ordains (Tidball, 2008). While ministering, a minister also gets to interact with the flock. There is always joy in fellowshipping with people who are serving God. It is also re-assuring to know that other people are in your prayers as much as you are in theirs. Ministers are often reminded that ministering has its challenges as well joys (Wiersbe, 2007). Ministers are torn apart by the effort they put in to people, but the people still encounter failures even when they have all reasons to thrive. Abraham for instance, must have suffered disappointment over the downfall of Lot. Their flock will often hurt ministers. They might be mocked or in some cases, or the flock might fail to hail to what they say. Ministers are urged to press on while asking for guidance (Tidball, 2008). Ministers are encouraged to be like Moses, who, even after being mocked, still interceded for his flock. A minister is urged, not to focus on himself or the people he serves, but to lay his or her focus on the glory that will come. Several prophets and ministers in the past, for example Moses and Elijah also suffered mockery in the past, but having experienced the glory of God, he got encouraged to serve God. Conclusion The analysis of theology draws conclusion that ministry is mainly based on the New Testament (Wiersbe, 2007). Use of apostles such as John, Peter and Paul draws conclusions that the New Testament talks more about ministering than the Old Testament. The New Testament is seen to focus more on apostleship and serving Jesus, as well as ministering to the flock at large. It discusses the tribulations that were experienced by the ministers who were also apostles of Jesus, and draws conclusions on how to be a good minister to Jesus’ flock (Tidball, 2008). References Tidball, D. (2008). Ministry by the book: New Testament patterns for pastoral leadership.Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic. Wiersbe, W. (2007). On Being a Servant of God. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books. Read More