William rightly observes that “Ministry is an act of God, ministry is an act of the church. Ministers are tied in a unique way to the church, the believing community in Christ.” This statement captures the heart of Christian ministry—it originates in God, is carried out through the church, and is expressed by those who serve within it. Ministry, therefore, is not confined to pastors or evangelists alone; it belongs to the entire believing community. Every member of the church participates in the ongoing work of God through Christ.
The Source and Foundation of Ministry
The foundation of all ministry is Jesus Christ. Ministry does not begin with human effort or church organization—it originates in the will and work of God Himself. Christ, through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, established the pattern and purpose of ministry. In this sense, the ministry of the church is the ministry of Jesus Christ, and the pastoral ministry is one expression of that same divine mission.
The Apostle Paul explains this truth clearly in Ephesians 3:6–7
“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.”
Here, Paul recognizes that ministry flows from God’s grace and power. It is God who calls, equips, and empowers His servants to participate in His redemptive work. Thus, every ministry—whether pastoral, evangelistic, or otherwise—is a reflection of God’s ministry through Christ.
Ministry Rooted in Scripture
Another essential characteristic of true ministry is that it is scripture-based. The Word of God reveals both the message and the model of ministry. Paul writes in Ephesians 3:8–9:
“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.”
Here, Paul acknowledges that the message of ministry is the proclamation of the unsearchable riches of Christ. Scripture provides the foundation, content, and authority for all ministry. Without the Word of God, ministry loses its direction and purpose.
The Church as the Center of Ministry
While ministry begins with God, it is carried out through the church, the visible expression of Christ’s body on earth. The church exists not merely as an institution but as a living community created for the purpose of mission. Without the church, the ministry of God cannot be fully expressed in the world. Whether we speak of the visible church (the gathered, organized body of believers) or the invisible church (the universal body of all true believers), both are created to fulfill the work and purpose of God.
This truth is affirmed in Ephesians 3:10–11:
“To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In this passage, Paul emphasizes that God’s wisdom is revealed through the church. The church is the chosen vessel through which God displays His plan of salvation and reconciliation. Therefore, ministry cannot exist apart from the church—it is church-centered and church-driven.
The Role of the Pastor in the Church
In understanding the relationship between pastoral ministry and church ministry, it is essential to recognize that they are not separate but deeply interconnected. The pastoral ministry is a particular calling within the broader ministry of the church. The pastor is called to shepherd, teach, and equip the people of God for service (Ephesians 4:11–12). Yet, the pastor’s ministry does not stand above or apart from the church—it exists for the church and within the church.
A pastor’s identity and mission are therefore inseparable from the believing community. He ministers as part of the body of Christ, not as an independent agent. His task is to nurture the spiritual life of the congregation, guiding them to participate fully in the mission of God.
Fellowship as Expression of Church Ministry
Church ministry also finds expression through fellowship. Ministry is not an abstract or institutional task—it is lived out in relationships among believers who share life in Christ. Fellowship reflects the communal nature of God’s work, as believers grow together, support one another, and bear witness collectively to the love of Christ. The church thus becomes a visible expression of divine life manifested through person-to-person fellowship.
Conclusion
In summary, pastoral ministry and church ministry are inseparable realities within the one ministry of Jesus Christ. All ministry originates in God, is revealed through Christ, is grounded in Scripture, and operates through the church. The church is both the instrument and the context of God’s mission in the world. Whether through preaching, teaching, evangelism, or fellowship, every act of ministry reflects the grace and power of Christ working through His people. Therefore, ministry is not merely the task of a few, but the shared calling of the entire believing community, united in Christ and empowered by His Spirit.
