Does The Church You Go To Train People For The Work Of Ministry?

[jsca777]

Ephesians4:11-15 mentions how God has a call on people's lives and wants people to mature in the Lord. God wants everyone to be used for His Kingdom and to impact the world. He doesn't want people to simply sit in the pews and go to bible studies, He wants all of His people to be warriors for His Kingdom against the powers of darkness.

The body of Christ can is effected positively when they are trained up for ministry. But when they are not trained up and not used for God's service, it destroys the church. many quit going, they feel as if they have no purpose. God demands that His church be effective not defective. Jesus said in Matthew28:19 to make disciples out of all nations. He didn't say to make converts, but disicples.

Edited December 27, 2009 by jsca777

[Believer1997]

Have you had a lot of negative experiences in churches where people were not trained properly to lead? I just wondered. I don't think I've ever been to a church of large denomination that has not had well-trained and spiritually alive pastors and church leaders. I have visited some churches that were considered non-denominational where people just got up and started preaching and it was often not biblical or scripturally accurate. That is not to say that all non-denominational churches don't train people for work in the ministry - I'm sure some do. I think some people are so full of love of God and understanding of His Word that they are just 'naturals' to work in the ministry; conversely, there are those who attend seminary for years who have no real clue about what they are talking about.

[jsca777]

Beleiver, it's not about attending seminars. It's about being trained to be used in spiritual gitfts and operate in annointing to do His will and be fruitful for the kingdom. I have seen many churches that are cold and dead. I have seen a few churches that really are doing the work(and they "are" non-denominatinal churches), but out of all the churches I either been part of, or went as a visitor, I have seen quite a bit of coldness where you don't see the power of God. Just like what is mentioned in 2nd Timothy3:5, people who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. I have seen churches full of lukewarmness and apostacy. You can go there, and they don't find out what you are called to do, and help you get moving in the right direction to operate in your calling. The apostles were serious about doing God's will. They weren't playing church.

[Believer1997]

Beleiver, it's not about attending seminars. It's about being trained to be used in spiritual gitfts and operate in annointing to do His will and be fruitful for the kingdom. I have seen many churches that are cold and dead. I have seen a few churches that really are doing the work(and they "are" non-denominatinal churches), but out of all the churches I either been part of, or went as a visitor, I have seen quite a bit of coldness where you don't see the power of God. Just like what is mentioned in 2nd Timothy3:5, people who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. I have seen churches full of lukewarmness and apostacy. You can go there, and they don't find out what you are called to do, and help you get moving in the right direction to operate in your calling. The apostles were serious about doing God's will. They weren't playing church.

Dear one, I do not think one can be trained in "using spiritual gifts and operate in annointing"... Those are gifts - they cannot be cultivated, taught, or connived... If one is ready to dedicate their life to God and Love Him and further His Kingdom - chances are they have spiritual gifts. They still should receive education in theology and teaching and a better understanding of the Word. You've mentioned the coldness several times that you've experienced - are you a warm and welcoming person? Sometimes we reflect upon others in a negative way and we think it is them when it may be our own insecurities. Blessings!!

[Miss Elly]

Beleiver, it's not about attending seminars. It's about being trained to be used in spiritual gitfts and operate in annointing to do His will and be fruitful for the kingdom. I have seen many churches that are cold and dead. I have seen a few churches that really are doing the work(and they "are" non-denominatinal churches), but out of all the churches I either been part of, or went as a visitor, I have seen quite a bit of coldness where you don't see the power of God. Just like what is mentioned in 2nd Timothy3:5, people who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. I have seen churches full of lukewarmness and apostacy. You can go there, and they don't find out what you are called to do, and help you get moving in the right direction to operate in your calling. The apostles were serious about doing God's will. They weren't playing church.

Dear one, I do not think one can be trained in "using spiritual gifts and operate in annointing"... Those are gifts - they cannot be cultivated, taught, or connived... If one is ready to dedicate their life to God and Love Him and further His Kingdom - chances are they have spiritual gifts. They still should receive education in theology and teaching and a better understanding of the Word. You've mentioned the coldness several times that you've experienced - are you a warm and welcoming person? Sometimes we reflect upon others in a negative way and we think it is them when it may be our own insecurities. Blessings!!

I totally agree with you Believer. God gives the Holy Ghost to those that obey him and his gifts to whom he will. Yes, people should be taught, but mostly they need to get down on their knees and have their own day of Pentecostal. Who taught Peter what to do? Did he attend classes. No, the SPIRIT OF GOD led Peter, embolded him to preach and use the healing gifts God had given him. Satan wants to distract people anyway he can, 20 classes on spiritual gifts, etc. etc. as long as people do not pray for the gifts of God, is just what he wants. There is a price to pay - death. Death to that old flesh and self will. God help us all to be humble enough and hungry enough.

[canuckamuck]

Churches should be be appraised on how much they are doing outside the church, not by the quality of entertainment and spiritual fireworks on the inside. Too many believers still think that the church is there to meet their needs. My understanding is that the unbelievers needs are much more significant.

I do agree however that churches are not doing enough to motivate people into ministry. The majority of churches I am familiar with have a ministry staff, and they have their attendees. Very rarely do the attendees feel any pressure to be ministers. Many churches actually discourage lay ministers.

[jsca777]

Who taught Peter what to do?

Jesus taught him. What do you think Peter and the other disciples were doing in that 3 1/2 years? They were learning.

[KC02]

In the house churches Paul described, everyone had a gift and everyone participated in the service. Nowadays the pastor is the big cheese and nobody else is really allowed to speak or participate.

Getting everyone to participate in larger churches doesn't seem feasible, but the attitude that says let the pastor do everything is a hindrance to the church. I agree that everyone should be mentored and taught in the ways of the ministry and certainly in spiritual things like faith, healing and prophesy.

The church isn't supposed to be a spectator sport.

[jsca777]

Dear one, I do not think one can be trained in "using spiritual gifts and operate in annointing"... Those are gifts - they cannot be cultivated, taught, or connived... If one is ready to dedicate their life to God and Love Him and further His Kingdom - chances are they have spiritual gifts. They still should receive education in theology and teaching and a better understanding of the Word. You've mentioned the coldness several times that you've experienced - are you a warm and welcoming person? Sometimes we reflect upon others in a negative way and we think it is them when it may be our own insecurities. Blessings!!

When it comes to the five fold ministry, you need to know what you are doing. People do need to be trained up for ministry. What do you think discipleship is???

[jsca777]

In the house churches Paul described, everyone had a gift and everyone participated in the service. Nowadays the pastor is the big cheese and nobody else is really allowed to speak or participate.

Getting everyone to participate in larger churches doesn't seem feasible, but the attitude that says let the pastor do everything is a hindrance to the church. I agree that everyone should be mentored and taught in the ways of the ministry and certainly in spiritual things like faith, healing and prophesy.

The church isn't supposed to be a spectator sport.

That is "EXACTLY" what I mean!