Topical Bible: Ministers: should be Willing

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the role of a minister is one of service, leadership, and dedication to the spiritual well-being of the congregation. A key attribute that is emphasized in the Scriptures for those who serve in this capacity is a willing heart. The willingness of a minister is not merely a matter of personal preference but is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and the example set by early church leaders.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of willingness in ministry is highlighted in several passages throughout the New Testament. In 1 Peter 5:2, the apostle Peter exhorts the elders of the church: "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness." . This verse underscores the importance of serving not out of obligation or for personal gain, but with a genuine eagerness and readiness to fulfill God's calling.

Similarly, the apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of his own willingness to serve and suffer for the sake of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:17, Paul states, "If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; but if not voluntarily, I am still entrusted with a responsibility." . Here, Paul acknowledges that while his ministry is a duty, there is a greater reward and fulfillment in serving willingly.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of willingness in ministry is found in Jesus Christ Himself. In John 10:18, Jesus declares, "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father." . Jesus willingly laid down His life for humanity, demonstrating the highest form of sacrificial service.

Attributes of a Willing Minister

A willing minister is characterized by several key attributes:

1. Eagerness to Serve: A willing minister approaches their duties with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, seeing their role as a privilege rather than a burden.

2. Selflessness: Willingness in ministry often requires putting the needs of others before one's own desires, reflecting the selfless love of Christ.

3. Obedience to God’s Call: A willing minister is responsive to God’s direction, ready to go where He leads and to undertake the tasks He assigns.

4. Joy in Sacrifice: Recognizing that true ministry often involves personal sacrifice, a willing minister finds joy in giving of themselves for the benefit of others.

Challenges to Willingness

Despite the biblical mandate for willingness, ministers may face challenges that test their readiness to serve. These can include burnout, discouragement, and external pressures. It is crucial for ministers to remain grounded in prayer, Scripture, and the support of their faith community to maintain a willing spirit.

Conclusion

The call to be a willing minister is a profound aspect of Christian service, rooted in the example of Christ and the teachings of the apostles. It is a call to serve with joy, selflessness, and a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 5:2
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Willing People and an Immutable Leader
... am afraid if persecution should set in, we should find very few valiant for
truth"few ministers would come ... Christ's people will be willing in the day of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/a willing people and an.htm

God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
... should be saved, he would not have given charge to his ministers to tender ... The Lord
is long suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvii god willing that.htm

Chapter twenty-six
... Is it then such a tremendous event that two Christian ministers should be not only
willing but eager to live close to the misery of the world in order to know ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-six.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... It is not God's will that His ministers should seek to be rich. ... that they do good,
that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... Ministers often lose a great deal of time by ... to see his friends, and often too willing
to spend ... Professors of religion should remember that a minister's time ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
... the intense religious bigotry with which his ministers should be opposed. ... full measure
of the divine displeasure, then each should be willing cheerfully to ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxi third circuit of galilee.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... I seldom see ministers strive so furiously, who shall go ... and they are neither able
nor willing to engage ... think of titles and reputation, they should then have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm

Come and Welcome
... Let him come, he is willing"stand not in his way." It is a sad thing that Christ's
ministers should become the devil's aiders and abettors, and yet sometimes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/come and welcome.htm

Men Often Highly Esteem what God Abhors.
... Should be as willing to give up their time to ... more good, as they insist a minister
should be ... Christian character as those which they impose on Gospel ministers? ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxi men often highly esteem.htm

This, You Will Say, is Ridiculous, Whereas all Profess to Hold and ...
... a care for that matter, to which he was willing to listen ... say, Were it not better
that you should give me ... there be more unfair than that the ministers [1736] of ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 21 this you will.htm