Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
July 4, 2021

Who Is My Minister?
by Steve Klein
Without a doubt, there is a lot of confusion in the religious world today about what a minister is and what a minister does. Most folks equate being a minister with being a preacher. And while preachers are ministers, it is entirely incorrect to reserve the term minister exclusively for preachers. Actually, the word minister as it occurs in many English translations of the Bible simply refers to one who is a servant or to the act of performing a service.
As we attempt to identify who the minister is, it might be helpful to consider the different ways ministers may be described. Ministers are described with respect to who they work for, the work they do, or who their work benefits. To illustrate, consider how we might describe a waitress in a restaurant. She works for the restaurant, so she is a minister of Quincy’s or Shoney’s or whatever. She serves food, so she is a minister of food. Her service benefits the customers, so she is a minister to the customers.
These three views of ministering can be seen in the service of the apostle Paul. He was a minister of Christ because he was working for Christ (1 Corinthians 4:1). He was a minister of the gospel because he preached (served) the gospel (Acts 26:16; Ephesians 3:6-7; Colossians 1:23). He was a minister to Gentiles because they had received the benefits of his preaching and been added to the church (Colossians 1:24-25). All three of these descriptions of Paul’s ministry are found in Romans 15:16, where Paul says that God’s grace was given to him so that he, “might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God…”
In Ephesians 4:11-12 we learn that God intends for the saints who make up the church to be equipped for the “work of ministry.” All Christians are ministers of God, in that we work for Him (cf. Hebrews 9:14). We all should use whatever God has given us to benefit others; as Peter says, “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies” (1 Peter 4:11). Our ministry should focus particularly on fellow Christians—the work of ministering to the saints is especially commended in Scripture (1 Corinthians 16:15; Hebrews 6:10).
So, who is the minister? Surprise, Surprise! YOU ARE. At least you SHOULD be.
On one occasion a man asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). Jesus answered by telling the story of the good Samaritan; the point of which was to teach that we should be more concerned about BEING a good neighbor ourselves than about HAVING good neighbors around us. The question of concern should not have been “Who is my neighbor?” It should have been, “To whom can I be a neighbor?” The point being made in this article is much the same. The question “Who is my minister?” should not concern us nearly so much as the question “To whom can I be a minister?” Whom can I serve, and how may I serve them?
Playing Down to the Competition
by Bryan Gibson
Coaches fret over this very thing, especially when playing an over-matched opponent. And with good reason, because teams often do play down to the competition, rather than up to the standard established for them. Granted, they may still win, because they manage to play just a little bit better than the opponent. The same thing happens in the spiritual realm. Rather than “playing” up to the standard established for us, we play down to the world. As long as we're just a little bit better than the world, we consider it a victory. Sorry, but that’s not the way it works in the spiritual realm.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Romans 12:2).
“Be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.