Do you sense the calling to serve in ministry? Do you see the role of God in your life and believe that His role can change the lives of others? Do you love to study the Bible and notice how it speaks to every issue of life? If so, you may be interested in studying Ministry Sciences. Ministry Sciences is the systematic study of Biblical-based and creation-revealed insights connecting humans into a redemptive and transformative relationship with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Ministry Sciences Methodology

Ministry Sciences integrates a Bible-based approach with academic investigation and recognition of God’s design, promoting a redemptive relationship with the God of the Bible, recognized as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as articulated in the Apostles’ Creed of Christendom. Ministry Sciences Methodology uses ministry training to prepare Christians and ministers to do Biblical ministry. Christian Leaders Institute provides free practical training for ministry roles in specific areas and topics. This methodology focuses on creating a grassroots army of volunteer, part-time, and full-time ministers equipped to serve effectively in various capacities. Below, we explore the primary methods that form the foundation of Ministry Sciences.

Primary Methods

Biblical Foundation: Deep Understanding of Scripture

A deep understanding of Scripture is crucial for any ministry. The Bible serves as the ultimate guide, offering teachings, reproofs, corrections, and instructions in righteousness. Preaching and Bible Studies at Churches are redemptive and transformative.

• Scriptural Basis: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Prayer: Inviting God into Our Lives and Activities

Prayer is the lifeline of ministry, inviting God’s presence and guidance in all our endeavors. It is essential to maintain a constant prayer life.

• Scriptural Basis: “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Supports a Lifestyle of Love and Moderation

Promoting love for God, self, and neighbor is foundational for soul health and societal ethics. This principle helps maintain balance and moderation in life.

• Scriptural Basis:
  • “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)
  • “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Blessings, Ceremonies, Vows, Worship, Small Group Meetings

Observing religious events and gatherings, as illustrated in the Bible, is vital for community building and spiritual growth. The sacraments such as Baptism and the Lord’s supper make a great impact.

• Scriptural Basis: “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Academic Investigation: Engaging with Research Recognizing God’s Design

Engaging with academic research that recognizes God’s design helps in understanding the intricacies of His creation and our place within it. Any advancement that honors and glorifies God is welcome. This opens the door for Christians to study social sciences from a Christian philosophical worldview, with an eye for critique and searching for insights that bring redemption and transformation.

• Scriptural Basis: “Great are the works of Yahweh, studied by all those who delight in them.” (Psalm 111:2)

Integration Model: Utilizing Modern and Postmodern Methodologies

Incorporating methodologies such as research methodologies found in modernist mythologies and “narrative therapies” found in post-modernist methodologies, which are also found in scripture, helps in addressing contemporary issues effectively.

• Scriptural Basis:
  • “For precept must be on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little.” (Isaiah 28:10)
  • “And he spoke many things to them in parables, saying, ‘Behold, a farmer went out to sow.'” (Matthew 13:3)

Practical Training: Hands-on Skills for Effective Ministry

Providing practical training through local churches, Christian colleges, and online platforms like Christian Leaders Institute ensures ministers are well-prepared. Christian Leaders Institute offers free ministry training online.

• Scriptural Basis: “And the things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

Volunteer and Part-Time Ministry: Empowering Volunteers and Part-Time Ministers

Empowering volunteers and part-time ministers, including minister credentialing, is crucial for expanding ministry reach and effectiveness. Christian Leaders Institute works withChristian Leaders Alliance to provide clergy credentials, recognizing volunteer, part-time, or full-time ministers. Women are included in these efforts, as outlined in this Women in Office position.

• Scriptural Basis: “As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

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Full-Time Ministry: Advanced Theological Education and Leadership Development

Offering advanced theological education and leadership development, including minister credentialing, prepares individuals for full-time ministry roles.

• Scriptural Basis: “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)

Community Building: Fostering Relationships within Churches, Ministries, and Families

Building strong relationships within the church and broader community is essential for a thriving ministry.

• Scriptural Basis: “So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.” (Romans 14:19)

Continuous Development: Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

Encouraging lifelong learning and professional development ensures ministers remain effective and relevant. Christian Leaders Institute continually increases ministry training in more areas.

• Scriptural Basis: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

Topic-Based Support: Exploring God’s Redemption and Wholeness

Addressing specific areas of pain and need through the lens of God’s Word brings redemption and wholeness to individuals.

• Scriptural Basis: “He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

Conclusion

The Ministry Sciences Methodology is a holistic approach that combines Biblical principles, academic research, practical training, and continuous development to equip Christians and ministers for effective service. By fostering ministry that welcomes God and His design for creation, Ministry Sciences Methodology is different from social sciences methodologies that specifically exclude God and his Word. The Ministry Sciences methodology advances the Scriptures and a redemptive and transformative relationship with God. Based in love, community, and a commitment to lifelong learning, this methodology aims to create a reproducing and dynamic ministry that can address the needs of our contemporary world.