Opus 2011-162, Spiritual Gifts: Ministry

(Romans 12:6-7 KJV)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

The gift of ministry is also called the gift of service.  The Greek word is one you should recognize, diakonia or deacon.  It means to be a servant even though you might be in a position of authority.  It is where we get terms like Prime Minister. 

A good place to see how this is applied is in Acts 6.  The church in Jerusalem was having problems with administering the help they were giving to widows.  The apostles called for the appointment of seven men to oversee this.  How did the apostles describe the job?

(Acts 6:2 KJV)  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

The word “serve” is our Greek word.  They did not actually hand out the food, but they were in charge of it.  Now look at what the apostles said they were to do,

(Acts 6:4 KJV)  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The word “ministry” is our Greek word again.  Both specialties, serving table and ministering the word, are considered “ministry.”

We have lost some of this meaning by calling the man who preaches the minister.  In reality he is one of many ministers. 

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