The Revival of Volunteer Ministers

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Volunteer Ministers in Specialized Topics: A Ministry Sciences Exploration

Have you ever heard of lay ministers? In the early church, lay ministers were volunteer ministers who fulfilled many vital roles within the Christian community. These individuals were often seen as the backbone of the church’s ministry, contributing their time and talents without formal compensation. Many lay ministers were ordained as deacons, and through their faithful service, some felt called to expand their ministry into part-time or full-time roles. This organic process often led them to join the clergy, where they would progress to becoming elders and bishops.

However, after the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire, the church gained access to greater resources, and a more professionalized clergy system began to develop. This shift gradually led to a decreased emphasis on volunteer ministers. Even the ordination of deacons, once a common practice, declined over time. In the early church, women were also ordained as deacons and served in many volunteer roles, but by the sixth century, these practices had largely diminished as the professional clergy model became dominant within Christianity.

Christian Leaders Institute is studying how to revive the volunteer model of leadership, similar to that of the early church. Historically, volunteer and part-time ministers played a critical role in building the Church and spreading the Gospel. Driven by a sense of calling, equipped with spiritual gifts, and trained in specialized ministry areas, these individuals formed an army of ministers who thrived in their personal lives, marriages, and in serving their families, friends, churches, and communities. Ministry Sciences, as a discipline, seeks to study and understand this phenomenon, focusing particularly on the role and impact of volunteer and part-time ministers within the Christian tradition.

The History of Volunteer Ministers in the Early Church

The early Church, before the era of Constantine in 313 AD, was characterized by a vibrant community of volunteer ministers. These men and women were foundational in establishing the early Christian culture and significantly contributed to the Church’s rapid expansion. One of the most important historical discoveries within Ministry Sciences is the prevalence of non-paid volunteer ministers during this period. Their dedication and sacrifice laid the groundwork for the Church’s growth and sustainability.

Biblical Examples of Volunteer Ministers

The New Testament provides several examples of volunteer ministers who played pivotal roles in the early Church.

Mission Ministers: Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila serve as prime examples of volunteer gospel spreaders and church planters. These individuals dedicated their lives to spreading the message of Christ without any expectation of financial compensation. Paul, in particular, was known for his tent-making work, which supported his ministry efforts.

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” (Romans 16:3-4, WEB)

Benefactor Minister Volunteers: Philemon and Apphia were wealthy Christians who ministered by planting a church in their home. Paul, in his letter to Philemon, appeals to them to support his work with Onesimus, demonstrating the role of benefactor ministers who provided for the needs of the Church.

“And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house.” (Philemon 1:2, WEB)

Phoebe: A noteworthy volunteer minister is Phoebe, who served as a “diakonos” (servant or minister) in the Church. She was entrusted by Paul to deliver the letter to the Romans and was also instructed to answer any questions the Roman Christians might have about Paul’s teachings.

“I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, that you receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.” (Romans 16:1-2, WEB)

Early Church Examples of Volunteer Ministers

The early Church was filled with volunteer ministers, whether deacons, bishops, or others. One prominent figure is Linus, mentioned as the first bishop of Rome after Peter. These early leaders were often unpaid, serving out of a deep sense of calling and commitment to the fledgling Christian communities.

Slaves as Ministers: In a striking example, Pliny the Younger, a Roman governor, mentioned the torture of two female slaves referred to as “ministers” in his correspondence with Emperor Trajan. These women were part of a broader movement within the early Church that mobilized women, including slaves, as ministers. This example highlights how the early Church transcended social boundaries, empowering individuals from all walks of life to serve.

The Philosophy of Volunteer Ministry

The philosophy of volunteer ministry is deeply organic, rooted in the natural and spiritual order established by God. The Apostle Paul encapsulates this philosophy by emphasizing the importance of voluntary leadership within the family. He argues that if one cannot voluntarily lead in their own family, how can they lead in the Church?

“One who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; (but if a man doesn’t know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:4-5, WEB)

At a more profound philosophical level, the act of having children provides a powerful revelation of the nature of volunteer ministry. God has hardwired into human physical and emotional DNA the processes of making, having, and nurturing babies. We enter into voluntary relationships with the opposite sex, who, in the Christian and biblical view, are called to voluntarily love and cherish one another. From this union, we potentially voluntarily reproduce human beings. Family love is imprinted on both father and mother, and this experience of voluntarily nurturing life provides a philosophical grounding for understanding volunteer ministry.

Specialized Roles of Early Volunteer Ministers

Volunteer ministers in the early Church took on various specialized roles as needed. One significant need was the rescuing of female babies from exposure to wild animals, slave traders, and the elements. Early Christian ministers not only saved these infants but also raised them as Christians. Many of these rescued girls grew up to marry pagans, convert them to Christ, and establish Christian families. This cycle of rescue, nurture, and evangelism contributed significantly to the Church’s expansion.

During times of plague, Christian ministers distinguished themselves by caring for the sick, often at great personal risk. This ministry of care and healing was a powerful testimony to the truth and power of Christianity, leading to the development of the hospital movement within the Christian tradition.

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Ministry Roles Inspired by the Early Church

The early church launched ministers, many of whom began as volunteer ministers and, over time, received financial support. Ministry Sciences studies how these roles from the early church can be translated into modern contexts to help people connect to God and flourish in their lives. A remarkable feature of early church social engagement was that this ministry was free and accessible to everyone. There was no need to pay a therapist or counselor; this was the mission of the church, which dramatically contributed to the spread of Christianity. Today, we can return to a culture of volunteer ministry.

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Here are examples of roles where we study the history and how these historical roles have modern-day applications:

Modern Day Volunteer Minister Possibilities

Gospel Spreaders (Like Paul and Barnabas):
Modern Apostles or Evangelists who lead other Christians or minister to multiply Christianity. Often, these “super spreaders” start as volunteers who share the Gospel through various platforms and roles, similar to the apostles, episcopates, or bishops in the early church.
Church Planters (Like Priscilla and Aquila):
Church Planters who establish new churches in areas with little or no Christian presence, often focusing on urban centers or unchurched regions.
Hosts of House Churches (Like Philemon and Apphia):
Small Group Leaders, House Church Planters, or Home Fellowship Hosts who open their homes for regular Bible studies, prayer meetings, and community gatherings, creating close-knit Christian communities.
Deacons like Phoebe or Elders like Titus:
Church Deacons or Elders, usually ordained at a local church, who often receive little training due to its unavailability. Today, with online resources, these set-apart leaders can be trained as volunteer ministers to support part-time or full-time ministry staff. These ministry leaders can occupy many different volunteer roles according to their callings and gifts, such as administration, pastoral care, and service ministries.
Chaplains (Like Perpetua, martyred on March 7, 203 AD):
Prison Chaplains or Hospital Chaplains who provide spiritual care and counseling to individuals in institutions such as prisons, hospitals, and military bases.
Note: Perpetua was a young noblewoman, around 22 years old, who was a recent convert to Christianity. Her personal account of her imprisonment, one of the earliest most detailed records of martyrdom from a woman’s perspective, vividly describes her visions, unwavering faith, and the strength she drew from her Christian community.
Kingdom Bishops (Like Linus, Anacletus, Clement 70-99 AD):
Denominational Leaders or Regional Overseers who provide spiritual oversight and leadership across multiple congregations or regions, ensuring doctrinal integrity and pastoral care.
Marriage Officiants (Detailed in the Apostolic Constitutions, 4th Century):
Wedding Officiants or Pastoral Counselors who prepare couples for marriage through premarital counseling and officiate wedding ceremonies, ensuring that Christian values are upheld in the marriage.
Romance Pastoral Counseling (Like John Chrysostom, c. 347–407 AD):
Marriage and Family Counselors or Relationship Advisors who offer guidance on choosing a spouse, fostering healthy relationships, and maintaining a Christ-centered marriage, often providing premarital and marital counseling.
Note: John Chrysostom’s homilies on marriage emphasized the importance of love, mutual support, and the spiritual responsibilities of husbands and wives.
Catechists (Like Clement of Alexandria, c. 150–215 AD):
Discipleship Coordinators or Sunday School Teachers who educate youth or new believers in the foundational truths of Christianity, helping them grow in their faith.
Exorcists (Like Philip of Heraclea, d. 304 AD):
Deliverance Ministers or Spiritual Warfare Counselors who assist individuals facing spiritual oppression, providing prayer and guidance in overcoming demonic influences.
Healers (Like Cosmas and Damian, d. c. 287 AD):
Healing Prayer Teams or Faith-Based Medical Ministries that combine prayer with medical care, focusing on physical and spiritual healing in church settings or medical missions.
Note: Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers and physicians who practiced medicine without charge, combining medical care with prayer for healing.
Intercessors (Like Thecla):
Intercessory Prayer Groups or Prayer Warriors who commit to regular, focused prayer for specific needs within the church, community, and the world, often organizing prayer chains and vigils.
Note: Thecla (1st century AD) was a disciple of the Apostle Paul who devoted herself to a life of prayer, particularly interceding for the Christian community during times of persecution.
Prophets (Like Agabus or Philip’s Daughters):
Preachers, Prophetic Ministers, Ministry Coaches or Advisors who provide guidance and insight grounded in the Word of God.
Scribes (Like Tertius or Papias of Hierapolis, c. 60–130 AD):
Church Administrators or Digital Content Creators who manage church communications, create and distribute digital resources, and preserve church records and teachings.
Evangelists (Like Philip):
Outreach Coordinators or Missions Directors who organize and lead evangelistic efforts, both locally and globally, to spread the Christian message.
Apologists (Like Justin Martyr, c. 100–165 AD):
Christian Apologists or Theological Writers who defend and explain the Christian faith through writing, speaking, and debating, addressing modern challenges to Christianity.
Charity Workers or Medical Ministers (Like Fabiola):
Community Outreach Coordinators or Non-Profit Ministry Leaders who run programs such as food banks, homeless shelters, medical ministries, and crisis relief efforts, serving the health of a community.
Note: Fabiola (d. 399 AD) was a Roman noblewoman who, after converting to Christianity, dedicated her wealth and life to the care of the poor and sick. She is credited with founding one of the first hospitals in the Western world.
Missionaries (Like the Apostles):
Global Missionaries or Cross-Cultural Ministry Workers who travel to different countries or cultures to spread Christianity and serve communities through education, healthcare, and development projects.
Lectors Officiants (Like John Chrysostom, c. 347–407 AD):
Scripture Readers or Worship Service Coordinators who prepare and read biblical passages during worship services, ensuring that Scripture is a central part of church gatherings.
Psaltists Officiants (Like Ambrose of Milan, c. 340–397 AD):
Worship Leaders or Choir Directors who lead congregational singing and musical worship, fostering an atmosphere of praise and worship during church services.
Gravedigger or Grief Ministry (Like Lawrence of Rome, d. 258 AD):
Funeral Ministry Teams or Bereavement Support Groups who assist with funeral preparations, provide support to grieving families, and help maintain church cemeteries.
Armorers and Patrons (Like Barnabas or Phoebe):
Donors, Mission Support Teams, or Logistics Coordinators who ensure that ministers have the resources and supplies they need, including financial support, travel arrangements, and material provisions.
Widows (Like Olympias of Constantinople, c. 361–408 AD):
Women’s Ministry Leaders or Prayer Coordinators who organize prayer groups, lead women’s Bible studies, and provide support and mentoring to women in the church.
Note: Olympias was a wealthy widow who used her resources to support the church and the poor. She was closely associated with John Chrysostom and became a deaconess, instrumental in organizing charitable works and providing spiritual guidance.
Deaconesses Ministers (Like Olympias of Constantinople, c. 361–408 AD):
Women’s Ministry Directors or Deaconesses who oversee various ministries within the church, particularly those focused on serving women and children.
Baptism Officiants (Like Rufina, 300 AD):
Baptism Coordinators or Church Elders who oversee the preparation for and administration of baptisms, ensuring that those being baptized understand the significance of the sacrament.
Note: The Apostolic Constitutions, a 4th-century Christian text, mentions women deaconesses like Rufina who were specifically tasked with assisting in the baptism of women.

Conclusion

In conclusion, early church ministers usually started as volunteers in ministry roles, which often expanded into part-time or full-time positions. Whether volunteer, part-time, or full-time, ministers have been and continue to be an essential part of the Church’s life and mission. Ministry Sciences, by studying the history, roles, and philosophy of ministry, sheds light on how these ministers have shaped the Church and how they continue to contribute to its growth and health.

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Articles and Posts

1. Discovering Ministry Sciences: Click Here.

2. Philosophy: Click Here.

3. Methodology: Click Here

4. Tropes

5. Leaders

6. Testimonies

7. Connections

8. The Study of Prayer

9. Study of the Word of God

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