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Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Title:Discussions from a Christian Perspective
Notice:Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome!
Moderator:CSC32::J_CHRISTIE
Created:Mon Sep 17 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1362
Total number of notes:61362

344.0. "What does "ministry" mean?" by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE (Passionate Peace) Thu Nov 14 1991 23:48

    
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344.1DEMING::VALENZANoteblind.Fri Nov 15 1991 11:057
    From the Quaker perspective, there is no formal or official distinction
    between ministers and laity; everyone is in some sense a minister.
    There are many kinds of ministry, vocal ministry in worship being just
    one form among many.  You can minister to the sick, the poor, the
    troubled.

    -- Mike
344.2Ministry is a call to serviceKARHU::TURNERFri Nov 15 1991 13:029
    In the christian context it has to do with calling. This began with
    Jesus. He said to some, "follow me" to others "go thy way". Jesus seem
    to require a complete severance from earthly support and family, even
    equating the possession of purses with wickedness.
    	He said you cannot serve 2 masters. You will love one and
    hate the other.
    	Could it be that a lot of ministers "worship" the tithe?
    
    
344.3Equivalent to servanthoodCSC32::J_CHRISTIEPassionate PeaceFri Nov 15 1991 17:207
I consider ministry a service, the act of serving another.  A minister
is a servant or "slave".

To me, a minister is not necessarily professional clergy.

Peace,
Richard
344.4DEMING::VALENZANoteblind.Fri Nov 15 1991 18:596
    "A minister is not necessarily professional clergy."
    
    Especially when you belong to a denomination that has no professional
    clergy!  :-)
    
    -- Mike
344.5Not a pro but sincere nevertheless...BSS::VANFLEETDreamer, your moment has come!Mon Nov 18 1991 10:505
    Even when you do.  :-)  I consider the music that I share a ministry. 
    Now, I may not have been to ministerial school but you don't need
    formal training to share when God touches your heart.
    
    Nanci
344.6A pastor should be a minister, but not always vice versaCSC32::J_CHRISTIEPassionate PeaceMon Nov 18 1991 19:368
    I think confusion arises when someone speaks of their 'minister'
    when refering to their 'pastor.'  The confusion may be perpetuated
    by pastors who, speaking self-referencially, use the terms 'minister of
    the church' or 'minister of God or Christ,' as if they were the only
    ones.
    
    Peace,
    Richard
344.7Minister versus PastorCSC32::J_CHRISTIEPeace: the Final FrontierThu May 07 1992 02:4411
If my understanding is correct a minister is a servant.  A pastor,
on the other hand, is more like a spiritual shepherd.

As I recall, the United Methodist Church recognizes its membership as
the General Ministry.  The clergy are the Ordained Ministry, called the
ministry of Word, Sacrament and Order.  Within the UMC, a third classification
exists.  It is a professional lay ministry called the Diaconal Ministry,
or the ministry of Love, Service and Justice.

Peace,
Richard