In the N. T. "minister" is not a title but a work description -- it means simply a servant; I Cor. 3:5. In the early church, it seems clear that there were some individuals in the work of the Lord full time. The N. T. minister has no official title (See Matt. 23:8-12). His example is Jesus Christ; Matt. 20:28. In the early church there were ministers, fellow-servants, co-workers, etc. , but not "The Minister, " "The Pastor, " etc.

1. The call of God is essential; II Cor. 10:18.

2. There must be gift for service; Eph. 3:7, and that in a degree requiring greater time commitment than with ordinary degree of spiritual gift.

1. The call of God, II Cor. 3:6; Gal. 1:1, 10- 12.

2. Recognition by those in authority in the assembly, Gal. 2:9.

3. Known among the saints, not by title or position but by their work: Eph. 6: 21 ; I Tim. 4:6. Acts 16:2

4. Human ordination unknown in the early church "Not of men, neither by man... " Gal. 1:1.

1. The N. T. minister teaches Scripture, not a denominational position.

2. Workers in Acts were moved directly by leading from God, e. g. , Acts 23:11, or indirectly by the advice of an older worker, e. g. , Titus 1:5 or by circumstances, e. g. , Acts 14:5-6, but never by a denominational headquarters.

3. Unlike the elder or deacon whose labors are confined to a specific local assembly, the servant or minister will serve God and all believers in a given area to which God has called him. (NOTE: Sometimes an elder may be led of God to labor in the assembly on a full time basis. )

4. Not an employee of the assembly, with job contract, salary, etc. As a servant of God, he looks to God for his needs. (Christians should learn to give to workers in pioneer areas where the new believers have not yet learned this grace. (See Phil. 4:15) God may use any of several ways to provide the servant's needs:
   • support from those he serves
   • gifts from distant Christians who know of his labors
   • his own work at secular employment

   (Any true servant of God must be willing to receive his living from any of the above as circumstances may require.)

1. To spread the gospel among those who have not heard (Eph. 3:8) and "to make all men understand the fellowship of the mystery" that is, to teach the ones who do believe about the N. T. church (Eph. 3:9).

2. To equip the saints so that they can do the work of the ministry and the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-12). (This is the true sense of this verse in the Greek. )

3. To present the saints pure and mature to Christ (II Cor. 11:1-2).