CQOD—Green: ministry: function or office?

CQOD MOBILE
Friday, November 28, 2025

Green: ministry: function or office?

Meditation:

Then the devil leaveth [Jesus], and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

—Matthew 4:11 (KJV)

Quotation:

In the New Testament, ministry was a function, not a status. When we talk of the Christian ministry today, we instinctively think of a man ordained to the ‘ministry’ of Word and Sacrament. The New Testament knows nothing of any such distinction. All Christians are called to serve Christ, all are called to ministry, diakonia. The word is applied to Jesus, to Paul, as well as to administrative helpers at Ephesus and Philippi. It is used both of apostles praying and teaching, and of assistants serving tables. Jesus made it plain that he was fulfilling the role of the Servant of the Lord, and that his followers were called to carry out that same pattern of service... The Christian ministry is coextensive with the Christian Church.

... Michael Green (1930-2019), “Mission and Ministry”, E. M. B. Green, in The People of God, Ian Cundy, ed., vol. 2 of Obeying Christ in a Changing World, John Stott, gen. ed., 3 vol., London: Fountain, 1977, P. 68-69 (see the book)

Quiet time reflection:

Lord, make me a servant to Your people wherever You lead me.

See yesterday

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