The sermons ofPeter McKnight

Understanding Ministry

Mark 6:7-14Camp Mini-Yo-We

  1. Introduction

    1. God’s mission for the world is to bring people into relationship with Jesus Christ.

    2. Jesus challenged his disciples to become involved with him in that ministry

  3. Nine Key Principles of Ministry - Mark 6:7-14

    1. Calling - v. 7 - Calling the Twelve to him…

      1. Ministry for God must begin with the call of God

      2. The disciples didn’t volunteer; they were called

    2. Sending - v. 7 - he sent them out…

      1. Ministry will take you out of your familiar “comfort zone”

      2. We must go out to the lost because they aren’t coming in to us

    4. Teamwork - v. 7 - two by two…

      1. Ministry means that we have to learn to work together in teams

      2. A team ministry is stronger than a solo ministry - see Eccles. 4:12

    5. Authority - v. 7 - and gave them authority over evil spirits

      1. Ministry is spiritual warfare

      2. We need the authority of Jesus and His Word to succeed

    6. Provision - v. 8–9 - Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic

      1. Ministry is about depending on God to meet your needs

      2. When God gives you a ministry to do, He’ll always give you what you need to do it

    7. Consistency - v. 10 - Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town

      1. Ministry that makes a real impact involves long-term consistency

      2. Your commitment is the key to your consistency

    8. Opposition - v. 11 - if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them

      1. Ministry that is effective will always generate opposition

      2. Don’t let criticism or persecution “ground” your ministry

    9. Obedience - v. 12 - They went out and preached that people should repent.

      1. Ministry involves simply obeying God’s call

      2. We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful

    10. Results - v. 13–14 - They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known

      1. Ministry brings fruit—people’s lives are changed

      2. The mark of a successful ministry is that Jesus becomes well known