Difference Between Church and Ministry

QUESTION:

Kindly differentiate between Church and Ministry, because I understand that Jesus said to Peter upon this Rock I will build my Church not a Ministry.

Xolani

ANSWER:

Xolani:

There can be a difference between the church and a ministry. For example, a traveling evangelist or Bible teacher is not stationed in one local church, but they have a ministry. A Christian school may be independent of a local church, yet still be a ministry. So can Christian newspapers, or hospitals. Newman Bible Academy does not belong to a church, but it is a ministry as is Faith Evangelical Seminary where I teach. We are an arm of the church.

Looking at it another way, there is only one Church which includes all Christians who have died since the start of the church, and includes those living around the world today. Every Christian belongs to this universal church; consequently, all Christian activities would be part of the Church.

Here is another way to look at it. People in a local church also have ministries as they serve in various capacities within the church. This would include the pastor, Sunday school teachers, food servers at potlucks, ushers, janitors, etc.

To minister is to serve, and in a Christian context, it is to serve in the Name of Christ in a way that fulfills the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18-20), and glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Hope this helps, Xolani.

All the best, and God bless,

Dr. Newman