The Christian As Minister

This book is a compilation of information about the call to ministry and the avenues The United Methodist Church offers to embody that call. It is based in the concept of servant ministry and servant leadership presented by the Council of Bishops.

Updated and expanded with 32 pages of additional content designed to meet the growing demands of busy ministers, the Christian Minister's Manual is an essential tool for ministers. This deluxe edition includes a CD-ROM that contains full searchable content of the Christian Minister's Manual. Customizable templates for sermon building, orders of worship, programs, questionnaires, forms, and other resources are available in MS Word and rich text format to help meet the individual needs of each congregation. This essential tool for ministers features Scripture readings, sermons, outlines, and practical tips for * Worship services * Weddings * Funerals * Ordinations * Communion meditations * Baptisms * Dedications * Hospital visitation * Evangelism * and much more!

This handbook investigates the Christian ministry providing an introduction to what the Bible says as well as addressing developments from the history of the Church. It considers crucial issues for the contemporary Christian, including the ministry of the whole church, women in leadership, working together and handling failure. The book also provides insight into the workings of the Church of England and how one becomes an ordained minister.

An introduction and explanation of the different types of ministry available for people considering God’s call to ministry in The United Methodist Church.

Merit winner in the 2006 Christianity Today Book Awards! "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Those of us called to Christian ministry are commissioned and sent by Jesus, just as he himself was called and sent by the Father. Thus we naturally pattern our ministries after Christ's example. But distinctively Christian service involves the Spirit as well, just as Jesus himself accomplished his ministry in the power of the Spirit. Thus the whole Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--gives shape to truly authentic Christian ministry. Though as Christians we all affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, many of us might struggle to explain how understanding the Trinity could actually shape our ministry. Stephen Seamands demonstrates how a fully orbed theology of the Trinity transforms our perception and practice of vocational ministry. Theological concepts like relationality and perichoresis have direct relevance to pastoral life and work, especially in unfolding a trinitarian approach to relationships, service and mission. A thoroughly trinitarian outlook provides the fuel for our ministry "of Jesus Christ, to the Father, through the Holy Spirit, on behalf of the church and the world." Essential reading for pastors, parachurch workers, counselors, missionaries, youth ministers and all who are called to any vocation of Christian ministry.

This classic on pastoral ministry is organized as follows: Part I. General View of the Christian Ministry Chapter I. The Divine Origin and Institution of the Christian Ministry Chapter II. The Dignity of the Christian Ministry Chapter III. The Uses and Necessity of the Christian Ministry Chapter IV. The Trials and Difficulties of the Christian Ministry Chapter V. The Comforts and Encouragements of the Christian Ministry Chapter VI. The Qualifications of the Christian Ministry Chapter VII. Preparation for the Christian Ministry Part II. General Causes of the Want of Success in the Christian Ministry Chapter I. The Scriptural Warrant and Character of Ministerial Success—Together With the Symptoms of Want of Success Chapter II. The Withholding of Divine Influence, the Main Cause of the Want of Ministerial Success Chapter III. The Enmity of the Natural Heart a Main Cause of the Want of Ministerial Success Chapter IV. The Power of Satan a Main Hindrance to Ministerial Success Chapter V. Local Hindrances to Ministerial Success Chapter VI. The Want of a Divine Call a Main Cause of Failure in the Christian Ministry Part III. Causes of Ministerial Inefficiency Connected With Our Personal Character Chapter I. Want of Entire Devotedness of Heart to the Christian Ministry Chapter II. Conformity to the World Chapter III. The Fear of Man Chapter IV. The Want of Christian Self-Denial Chapter V. The Spirit of Covetousness, Chapter VI. Neglect of Retirement Chapter VII. The Influence of Spiritual Pride Chapter VIII. Absence or Defect of Personal Religion Chapter IX. The Defect of Family Religion; And the Want of Connexion of the Minister’s Family With His Work Chapter X. Want of Faith Part IV. The Public Work of the Christian Ministry Chapter I. The Institution and Importance of the Ordinance of Preaching Chapter II. Preparation for the Pulpit Chapter III. The Scriptural Mode of Preaching the Law Chapter IV. The Scriptural Preaching of the Gospel Chapter V. The Mode of Scriptural Preaching Chapter VI. The Spirit of Scriptural Preaching Part V. The Pastoral Work of the Christian Ministry Chapter I. The Nature and Importance of the Pastoral Work Chapter II. Treatment of Cases in the Pastoral Work Chapter III. The Visitation of the Sick Chapter IV. Pastoral Ministry of the Young Chapter V. Sacramental Instruction Chapter VI. Clerical and Church Communion Chapter VII. The Office and Uses of Helpers Chapter VIII. Miscellaneous Part VI. Recollections of the Christian Ministry

David Servant has been ministering to Christian leaders in conferences around the world for over three decades. From his experience of speaking to tens of thousands of pastors in over forty countries, he has complied biblical teaching in this book that addresses the most important issues that Christian leaders are facing today. Servant covers topics such as church growth, spiritual warfare, divorce and remarriage, biblical interpretation, house churches, women in ministry, church government, spiritual gifts, evangelism and many more. He often questions the prevailing opinion, always considering what Scripture says. His conclusions may sometimes surprise you. Servant's foundational condition is that every Christian leader should be making disciples who obey all of Christ's commandments. Translated into many languages, The Disciple-Making Minister is helping Christian leader around the world be more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission.