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07. Ministry
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07. Ministry411. What do we understand by the term 'ministry'?
In general, the term ‘ministry’ is understood as a function or official position associated with specific
tasks and responsibilities. In a further sense, those who hold ministries have been given the authority
to lead a community and make corresponding decisions.
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412. What is a spiritual ministry?
A spiritual ministry constitutes the authorisation, blessing, and sanctification issued through ordination
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for service in the church of Christ. A spiritual ministry is exercised in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Authorisation: see explanation of Question 415. Blessing and sanctification: see Questions
416. and 417. Ordination: see Questions 462. et seq.
IF
413. What is the source of the spiritual ministry?
The spiritual ministry is founded upon the sending of Jesus Christ by God, the Father. Jesus Christ is
thus the One sent by God. As such He is authorised, blessed, and sanctified for the redemption of
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mankind. The Apostles are those who have been sent by Jesus Christ.
The spiritual ministry is always linked to Jesus Christ and the Apostles sent by Him. Ministry and the
apostolate therefore belong together: wherever the Apostle ministry is active, the spiritual ministry will
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also be present.
The term ‘apostolate’ is used primarily in reference to all bearers of the Apostle ministry as a whole
(‘apostolate’ = the Apostles of Jesus). The priestly ministries and Deacons work by commission of the
‘apostolate’ and perform duties in pastoral care, preaching, and the dispensation of the sacraments.
414. Were there any references to the spiritual ministry in the Old Testament?
,Already in the Old Testament references to the spiritual ministry can be found in the activity of kings,
priests, and prophets: the king ruled, the priest mediated the blessing of God, and the prophet
proclaimed the will of God. These ministries are references to the spiritual ministry.
Everything that had been established in the ministry of the Old Testament is reflected in Jesus Christ.
He is King, Priest, and Prophet all in one.
415. What do we mean by “authorisation” for a spiritual ministry?
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A spiritual ministry is conferred by an Apostle by the commission of Jesus Christ. Thereby the
recipient of the ministry receives part of the authority of the Apostle. He is to make use of this
authority by commission of the Apostle. The recipient of this ministry thereby acts in the name of the
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Apostle and represents him in the scope defined for that ministry. After all, the Apostle is the one who
sends the ministers, and those who are sent are accountable to, and dependent on, their sender.
Examples of activities performed by authorisation:
IF
When the Apostle proclaims the forgiveness of sins, he is acting on the basis of the authority
conferred upon him by Jesus Christ (concerning this see Question 424). It is for this reason that the
Apostle proclaims the forgiveness of sins with the words: “I proclaim unto you the glad tidings: in the
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name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of theliving God, your sins are forgiven.”
When the priestly minister proclaims the forgiveness of sins, he acts in the stead of the Apostle. For
this reason the priestly ministry proclaims the forgiveness of sins with the words: “In the commission
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of my sender, the Apostle, I proclaim unto you the glad tidings: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Son of the living God, your sins are forgiven.”
416. What do we mean by “blessing” for a spiritual ministry?
Through the ordination, the gifts present in the recipient of the ministry are awakened, strengthened,
multiplied, and dedicated to the service of the Lord. In addition, additional powers are imparted
through the blessing.
, 417. What do we mean by “sanctification” for a spiritual ministry?
In the ordination, the minister receives a share of the holiness of God—the ministry is holy, but the
bearer of the ministry remains a sinful human being. The minister can also perform holy acts by the
power of the Holy Spirit and serve God and the congregation.
418. What do we mean when we talk about “ministrations” in the church of Jesus Christ?
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Every baptised believer is called upon to serve the Lord in active love for his neighbour and by
professing his faith (cf. John 12: 26).
When specific mandates and areas of activity that serve for the benefit of the believers and the
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proclamation of the gospel are assigned to individual believers in the church of Jesus Christ, we
understand these as “ministrations”. Such ministrations are discharged wherever baptised individuals
profess their belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord in word and deed.
IF
419. What distinguishes ministrations in the church of Jesus Christ from the spiritual
ministry?
Ministrations are distinguished from the spiritual ministry in that they can be discharged without
ordination.
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420. Are ministrations also exercised without ordination in the New Apostolic Church?
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Yes, ministrations are discharged without ordination in the New Apostolic Church. For example, these
include church commissions for the religious education of children and young people and musical
participation in the divine services.
421. Which ministry was instituted by Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ only gave His church one ministry directly, namely the Apostle ministry. He authorised,
blessed, and sanctified the Apostles and equipped them with the Holy Spirit: “‘As the Father has sent
Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive
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