Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Duties of the Church To

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The role of a Christian minister is pivotal within the church, serving as a shepherd, teacher, and leader to the congregation. The duties of the church towards its ministers are deeply rooted in biblical teachings and are essential for the effective functioning of the church body. These duties encompass respect, support, and cooperation, ensuring that ministers can fulfill their God-given responsibilities.

1. Respect and Honor

The church is called to respect and honor its ministers, recognizing their role as leaders appointed by God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, the Apostle Paul exhorts the church: "But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another." This passage underscores the importance of acknowledging the labor and leadership of ministers, holding them in high esteem for their dedication to the spiritual well-being of the congregation.

2. Financial Support

Scripture also emphasizes the responsibility of the church to provide for the material needs of its ministers. In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul writes, "Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The worker is worthy of his wages.'" This directive highlights the principle that those who labor in the ministry should be adequately compensated, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties without undue financial burden.

3. Prayer and Encouragement

The church is encouraged to support its ministers through prayer and encouragement. In Ephesians 6:18-20, Paul requests prayer for himself, saying, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, divine utterance may be given me, so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel." This appeal for prayer underscores the spiritual warfare faced by ministers and the need for the church to intercede on their behalf.

4. Cooperation and Unity

Ministers require the cooperation and unity of the church to effectively carry out their mission. Hebrews 13:17 instructs, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This verse highlights the importance of the congregation's willingness to follow the guidance of their leaders, fostering an environment where ministers can lead joyfully and effectively.

5. Accountability and Support

While the church is to respect and support its ministers, it also has a duty to hold them accountable to biblical standards. Galatians 6:1 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." This passage emphasizes the need for the church to lovingly correct and restore ministers who may falter, ensuring that they remain faithful to their calling.

In summary, the duties of the church towards its ministers are multifaceted, encompassing respect, financial support, prayer, cooperation, and accountability. These responsibilities are vital for the health and growth of the church, enabling ministers to lead effectively and fulfill their divine calling.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 1:38
But Joshua the son of Nun, which stands before you, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
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Deuteronomy 3:28
But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.
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Deuteronomy 31:7
And Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it.
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Malachi 2:7
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
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1 Corinthians 11:1,2
Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
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1 Corinthians 16:15,16
I beseech you, brothers, (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
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Philippians 3:17
Brothers, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an ensample.
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Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner salutes you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandments: if he come to you, receive him;)
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1 Thessalonians 5:12,13
And we beseech you, brothers, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
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Hebrews 13:7,17,18
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
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Greek

1249. diakonos -- a servant, minister
... a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and ...
technically, a deacon or deaconess) -- deacon, minister, servant. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1249.htm - 8k

Library

Methodists, or the Methodist Protestant Church.
... "1. A Christian church is a ... should be conducted on gospel principles only; and no
minister or member ... "6. The pastoral or ministerial office and duties are of ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/methodists or the methodist protestant.htm

Methodist Church Union in England.
... that the office of the Christian Ministry depends ... of the Church's recognition of
the Minister's personal call. ... for the discharge of special duties are required ...
/.../methodist church union in england.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... 22:6. THE DUTIES OF PARENTS. ... see what I call "a young people's corner" in a church. ...
requiring obedience as one that should adorn a Christian minister: "a bishop ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen.
... the typical system of the Jewish Church, and has ... The Christian minister is a teacher,
an ambassador, a messenger ... Timothy and Titus, where his duties are clearly ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvii phil 1 1 the.htm

Christian Experience.
... Each evening after the daily duties were ended, Bessie might ... I did, and professed
to be a Christian until I ... that one day I went to the minister, and, telling ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xi christian experience.htm

Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy ...
... Thus Tertullian witnesseth that in his time a Christian was known ... of God, by the
mouth of his minister; and to ... Thus far of the duties to be practised in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/iii of the duties which.htm

Isaiah V. 1.
... difference between a Christian and a Christian minister is but ... We shall see, then,
that church questions are not ... glory and man's sins or duties are concerned ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxviii isaiah v 1.htm

The Angels of the Seven Churches.
... which they occupied, and the duties which they ... the foundations of the New Testament
Church; and he ... engaged to visit a distinguished Christian minister who had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the angels of.htm

The Relation of Home to the Church.
... But the relation between the Christian home and the church implies reciprocal
obligations and duties. ... The minister in his pastoral functions, is the ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter iv the relation of.htm

The Maritime Itinerant.
... toward a complete consecration to the work of a Christian minister, and when ... testify,
and was eminently qualified for the high duties of a minister's wife. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/iii the maritime itinerant.htm