Principles of Ministry

Just as the Son of Man did not come to earth to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28), so it is with the Servants of the Kingdom. We are called to become extensions of our Lord Jesus Christ in nature and purpose. This is in complete harmony with our ministry Philosophy.

Knowing that the divine law of sowing and reaping is always in operation, our ministry’s specific focus as an extension of Christ is to provide knowledge of the laws and principles of the Kingdom of God. This knowledge is shared in the context of our Philosophy and in accordance with three distinct ministry postures: Holistic Servanthood, Relational Servanthood and Spirit-led Servanthood.

Holistic Servanthood

Being created in God’s image gives at least partial explanation for the complex creatures we humans are. Surely a wondrous interdependency exists between body, soul and spirit. The interconnectedness adds complexity and endless interesting dimensions to all we are and do. Because we are biological, psychological, emotional, economic, social, intellectual, physical, spiritual and cultural human beings, our ministry is designed to minister to the entire person. We begin this holistic approach with a focus on humanity’s greatest needs: food, shelter-security, love and belonging. In correlation with this understanding, we also refrain from trying to separate the natural (laws of science) from the supernatural (laws of the Spirit), as God works through both realms, often simultaneously.

Relational Servanthood

While our focus is teaching Kingdom laws and principles in a holistic and Spirit-led posture, we set intentional objectives to have authentic relationships with the people we are ministering to. We embrace an environment of caring and friendship, sharing what we know in a relational way, as friends do. We value dialogue (versus monologue) as a high priority, which may require learning a second language. We also place a high value on honesty and transparency, intentionally allowing those we minister to (and with), to know our faults, frailties and insecurities as well as our knowledge of God’s laws and principles and His extravagant love for those who will honor Him in authentic faith

Spirit-Led Servanthood

Just as we should be entirely captivated by the incomparable Christ, who kindles a great love in us to serve Him, we should also be completely enamored with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is constantly working to bring change and restoration in our hearts so that we may experience the love and awe of God as we become living extensions of Christ our Lord.

For those who have grown up in the West, one of the most difficult aspects of our ministry to those living in non-Western developing countries is understanding the differences between our cultures. We often value very different things in life, and demonstrate that value very differently. Ministering holistically and relationally helps us overcome some of the obstacles which will arise when working with people who have known only long-term poverty. Still, often the impediments of cultural differences lie hidden, causing confusion and misunderstandings which result in frustration and ineffectiveness. While God’s Kingdom laws and principles are eternal and universal, they are also multi-dimensional so that truth is conceptualized according to culture.

As Servants of the Kingdom, we are called to be students of the cultures we are called to work in. However, through Spirit-led servanthood (being dependant upon the specific guidance and revelation of the Holy Spirit), we have a divine advantage for fruitfulness in our work. God’s Spirit will provide us with the personal or cultural revelation we need to accomplish all that Christ desires to do through us, for the Holy Spirit is trans-cultural, indeed.