Five-Fold Ministry
The Ministers Handbook

This Handbook is being written to help those who have a desire to serve in ministry, but may not know how to begin serving. It is my desire to impart a few insights that I have gained over the years of service to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Much of what I will be sharing, will be from the word of God itself and the rest will be that which I believe is implied by the word.
When one begins on their journey with the Lord, one must realize that they must first be called and then there will be a time for the purpose of being chosen:
(Matthew. 22:14).
Time must pass in order for one that is called to become one that is chosen, for this denotes the proving of oneself. It is God that will prove you, and men will confirm the witness of your call.
The following scriptures will teach you about the patriarch Abraham, who was known as Abram before God had called him to serve Him. After calling Abraham there was a time of preparation, which was followed by a time of separation in which he first was told of his designation. This brought forth purpose so that Abraham would be able to fulfill his call, so God could reward his calling because of his obedience to hear and do all that God instructed him to do. Selah.

Please notice these seven steps to maturity:

1.) Answering the call (Geneses. 12:1-3,4)
2.) Preparation (Geneses 12:14-20)
3.) Separation (Geneses 13:1-4)
4.) Designation (Geneses 13:14-18)
5.) Purpose (Geneses 15:1-6)
6.) Fulfilling the call (Geneses17:1-7) with (Geneses 22:1-14)
7.) Rewarding of the call (Geneses 22:15-19)

Further explanation for these steps.

1.) Answering the call. Isolation is necessary, for if we can not find solitude, we will not find intimacy.
2.) Preparation, brings us into intimacy with God, in order to prepare us for service.
3.) Separation places us in a place for impartation, so that we can receive from the Lord Himself, and be inspired for service.
4.) Designation, creates the opportunity for change, change will bring forth usefulness, and usefulness will impart direction.
5.) Purpose is revealed by or through designation, but this is at a cost. We must be able to distinguish the true voice of God in order to be able to fulfill our calling.
6.) Fulfilling the call can only be accomplished by departing from deceptive influences, moving away from the crowds, and those known to be parasitic in nature. You must protect your relationships at all cost. Know those you befriend.
7.) Rewarding of the call comes only after one has demonstrated faithfulness and faithfulness will be counted as righteousness, thereby one becomes chosen.

Did you notice that it took time to show Abraham (Abram) that he had a purpose, and through that time God was ever proving and maturing his servant for service.
Just as it was for Abraham so it will be for you, it just does not happen that one day you recognize you are a minister for God and then begin to do the work.
You can see this truth in the ministry of Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, David, John the Baptist, The Apostles, Paul the Apostle, and many more.
This same scenario can be even applied to Jesus Christ and His walk on this earth (read the Gospels). Selah.

Now as we begin our journey in study of the obedience of a servant, we must prepare to seek His guidance in all that we desire to do, and learn about His word.
For in this study I believe God will open to you a door of understanding so that you may be empowered for service and may be well able to fulfill your calling.

Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1.) We are to present our bodies to God for service, this is done by sacrificing of personal gain, allowing Him the opportunity to work in and through us.
2.) This will intern prepare us for service to mankind, which He has already designed for us. For He says this is our “reasonable service”.
3.) How this may be attained is clear in verse two, for Paul says, “be not conformed to this world” conformity to how the world, does things is not acceptable to God.
4.) Paul further explains that we must “be transformed”, and this transformation can only be accomplished by the “renewing of our minds”
5.) Our minds must be open to the instruction from Gods word, His Holy Spirit and His servants that hear His voice.
6.) Only after submitting to God, His word, His Holy Spirit and His servants that hear His voice, can we “prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect” will of God.
7.) For God knows our attitudes and thoughts, which are even motivating us.

Proverbs 23:7
7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

1.) Here we find that one must count the cost before becoming a servant, for one
must ponder “in his heart” what it is he is willing to do, before doing it.
2.) Next we find “so is he” for Gods word speaks to this end, that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).
3.) Where your heart is, so will your attitude and thoughts be.
4.) So the question at this point is this, are you sincere?
5.) Have you asked the who, what, when, where and why, I’m here?

Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1.) Remember when you say I can, you really meant to say “I can through Christ do all things”
2.) For it is He that gives you His ability to perform the task He has set before you.
3.) Remember it is He (Christ) that you are to represent.
4.) Gods word says: “greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world”
(I John 4:4).

II Corinthians 5:20
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

1.) First things first, “we are ambassadors”, an ambassador is one that is sent to speak on behalf of another, or to represent that person himself.
2.) This means that the message that we bring is not of and by ourselves.
3.) This message is sent from our saviour to His people, yes even the sinner.
4.) We are His messengers, carriers of His provision for mankind.
5.) Our duty is to bring the message He has given to us, for the world to know.
6.) We are to bring on behalf of “Christ”, the message that a price has been paid.
7.) The message is “be ye reconciled to God”.

Romans 12:3
2 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1.) Paul tells us that every man/woman that is among you, you who? “The Church” “Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” this is not to say that we should not think highly of ourselves, but, remember it is Christ that is working in and through us.
2.) It is not by what, or who we are that gives us this ability, but Christ has chosen us to become His ambassadors.
3.) We are to think, and ponder the thoughts that He has given us, and remember it is always for His glory that we might be utilized.
4.) For “God has dealt to every” man/woman the measure of faith He choose for them to operate in.
5.) Don’t try to be someone else, be yourself.
6.) God has chosen you to be who you are; you can be His best by being yourself.
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

1.) Paul tells us to let this mind be in you, this speaks to submission; with humbleness and readiness of heart.
2.) Not robbery to be equal with God, to realize God has purpose for you and your life is hid in Him.
3.) He made Himself of no reputation; this speaks to the fact that we are His servants and do not seek our own purpose.
4.) The form of a servant, not thinking of oneself as superior to others, but useful.
5.) Humbled Himself, we are not to lift ourselves up expecting others to bow down to us, but rather to put ourselves in submission to Him and His leadership.
6.) Please notice that it says He became obedient, this would imply that you and I must also become obedient by choice.
7.) It is so important that we become obedient to our calling and not try to imitate another’s gifting, for God wants us, just the way He created us to be.

Ephesians 6:5-8
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

1.) Again as we begin this verse we see the word servant, please always remember, first and foremost we are servants to our Lord Jesus Christ and then, to His leadership which He placed in the Church.
2.) This verse continues, obedient to your masters, those who have trained and sent you out to work in the Masters garden.
3.) When we are sent, we should always obey those that God has put over us for a covering, for we are not working by our own power, and for our own glory, submit as unto Christ.
4.) This means, in the midst, and out of sight, we should serve with humbleness.
5.) We should never become “menpleasers”, for this is unacceptable before God and His son Jesus Christ.
6.) All that we do, we should do in the will of God from our own heart, not trying to be something, or someone else.
7.) With right motives, are we to do service to mankind, remembering always that it is the Lord we’re serving through, to serve men.
8.) Once again we see that whatever we do, if we do it with right motives the Lord will bless us in our service to mankind. It does not matter if we are working in another’s garden, or in our own ministry, but what we should always do is, do well toward all men. In this the Lord will be well pleased and prosper you.

Matthew 20:26-28
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1.) Here we have a sharp contrast to the natural man, for if we are truly His servants, then we are to serve all, rather than seeking all to serve us. The greater we are in His service to mankind, the more we find ourselves ministering to and for others.

Philippians 2:20
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

1.) As we read above, this is a warning that we all should pay very close attention to, for it says, “all seek their own”.
2.) It would seem that today as well as in that day, there were those who were only interested in what it might profit themselves, rather than, what it might profit others.
3.) As we read the latter part of this verse it is for us to care for others even above ourselves, just as Christ Jesus did.

I Corinthians 4:1-5
1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1.) As a minister of Christ you are entrusted with the mysteries of God, please note we are only the stewards and not the originators of these mysteries.
2.) This verse makes it perfectly clear, that we are to be found faithful, first by God and then by man.
3.) With this verse we again can see, God is the true judge, and our fellow man is to judge us likewise, yet man’s judgement may not always be right.
4.) Once again we see that the greatest judgment is that of the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is He that has called us to service, and not ourselves or man.
5.) This verse sums it all up this way: Don’t look at the surface of a thing, for many times, things that appear to be one thing are yet another. Don’t judge except in accordance to the word, for God is the true Judge of all our words and works.

Matthew 10:24-26
24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

1.) To sum up all of what we have shared thus far, let me say this, as this passage of scripture teaches, none of us are greater than another, but we each have a purpose to fulfill for the Lord.
2.) Likewise we should reflect or Lord in the work He has set before us to fulfill, in this we will be seen and understood as His servants.
3.) Just as the Lord was misunderstood we to at times might be misunderstood, just remember fear not, for God knows all that we do, and why.
4.) We should always remember, that in time, all things done here on earth shall be revealed to and for all to know the truth of His and our works.

Before we go on, we need to reflect on what we have learned thus far.
We might call this the twelve commandments of a servant of Jesus Christ.

1.) Romans 12:1-2: We are to demonstrate Holiness at all times, this means we are to be a living sacrifice before all mankind, this would include but not be limited to our family, friends, co-workers, and Church affiliates. Please note that the Church is an extension of your family and so is the world at large.
2.) Before coming to Church, we should check out our attitudes. We must demonstrate a transformation in progress, for we are under construction as we seek Gods insight and direction for fulfillment of purpose.
3.) Proverbs 23:7: Are you sincere? Think about the word broken down, (sin) have you dealt with it? What about (cere) if you change the spelling just a little you can understand it this way, “sear” to dry up, to wither, we must cut sin off, or out of our lives.
4.) Philippians 4:13: We must remember, it is Christ that empowers us to be of service to mankind and His Church; and even to Him as our Lord and Saviour.
5.) II Corinthians 5:20: When we stand at the pulpit, or in position of authority, we are to reflect “Christ” in us, not self, or someone else we are imitating.
6.) Romans 12:3: God desires us to express Him through our own gifts, abilities, mannerisms, and attitudes, not someone else’s.
7.) Philippians 2:5-8: Remember God has placed you in position to minister on His behalf, you are not to shy away from His work, which He has set before you. We are to remain humbled at the opportunity to serve.
8.) Ephesians 6:5-8: We should not try to please man in what we do for Christ, rather we should strive to please Christ in all we do, remembering it is Christ who shall reward us for service.
9.) Matthew 20:26-28: Once again we are reminded that we are to serve rather than seeking to be served. Our life’s work should be to the service of Jesus Christ, His Church, and the world at large, for this was His mission, and has now become our mission to fulfill, this is your purpose.
10.) Philippians 2:20-21: Paul tells us that there is no one with a genuine interest for others well being, this should serve as a reminder to each of us to remember our purpose.
Don’t become caught up in self-service, be genuine toward God, and man.
11.) I Corinthians 4:1-5: When others see us, they should be able to recognize that we know Christ, and that Christ knows us as well. We should not seek to be justified by man, but seek to be found justified by Christ Himself. What is it that you have in your heart, are you a faithful steward of Gods mysteries?
12.) Matthew 10:24-26: It is important for us to understand Gods point of view, for He sees us, just as He saw Jesus Christ, without sin, and empowered for service. Please remember that we too may be misunderstood, and maliciously spoken of.

Let me now take just a little time to talk about submission to authority

This is of utmost importance, if you are going to be utilized by God, and there by placed in His service to mankind you must understand you are “a” part of something rather than being of and for yourself. This speaks to the fact that God has structure to His organization (organism) known as His Church. Even though many have been sent to start new works, there are those who have just gone and done their own works. You might ask what is the difference? I am so glad you asked, for if you were not sent out, then you just caused a spilt in the work God had for that and your ministry. The next question should be how do I make things right so God can bless my ministry? You must first pray, then seek opportunity to make amends with the work you left and bring true repentance to the ordeal. Weather that ministry excepts your repentance or not, is not important, for it is God who judges the true heart, but you must do your part. Selah.

Hebrews 13:7
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

1.) When reading the above scriptures we note “Remember” this is something so many forget as they begin to prepare for their own works, rather than becoming an extension to that work which was used to assist them in their gifting.
We need to see and understand that each one of us is an extension of the Body of Christ.
This should help us to begin to understand that we are to operate as a unit or a coalition for a common good, and that would be to increase the kingdom of God, not the dividing of it.

2.) Further it reads “whose faith follow” even though you have been either sent out, or called out to begin a new work, it is still an extension of the Body of Christ, there by we must understand, can to walk together except they be agreed. We know that we must all learn to walk with understanding as to what God wants of each of us, and to support one another in our service to the Lord.
3.) Finally in verse seven we read “considering the end of their conversation” the word conversation speaks to one’s behavior, as well as to their lifestyle. This should help us to understand our need to work together for the Lords purpose to be fulfilled in and through us as His Body of leadership, not separated but united as one in service to His Church.

Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

1.) “Obey” is the word for the one, who may chose to serve, he/she must understand, its real meaning, and not merrily ignore it. Its root meaning is to carry out the instructions or orders of. A lot can be said about instructions, and orders.
2.) Next we come to the word “submit”, this word implies that we must allow someone else to begin to mold us into service, this in many times is another man/women as well as the Lord Himself working on us.
3.) The “they” men/women that God has placed in our path are there for our benefit, and also responsible for molding us for Gods purpose, and are also accountable to God Himself for what they do and say concerning us.

I Peter 5:5-6
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

1.) The word “likewise” means the same as, do like the ones before you, or let me make it plain. In verse three of this chapter we read “…but being ensamples…” this spoke concerning those who would lead others in a proper attitude toward God and man.
2.) Once again we read the word “submit”, there must be a reason that Paul reemphasize the use of this word. I believe it was to impact each and every one of us to the fact, that we are all in submission one, to another, whether we are the one who leads or the one who follows, for it was Christ who taught each of us what submission was. If we have so learned anything concerning Christ Jesus.
3.) Here’s a word “humility”, this word speaks to the thought of, the state or quality of being humble or an absence of pride. What a thought, if only each and every one of us would learn this quality, what would ministry be like?
4.) Humility is something we are to put on; it’s an attitude that we are to display toward God, and mankind.
5.) It is written here that God resist the proud, or those who exhibit wrong attitudes.
6.) Please note God gives “grace” to the humble, hey that is exactly what I want from God, “His grace”, how about you.
7.) Verse’s five and six; both speak to our attitudes toward one another, and God.
8.) If we were to read verse six backward, we would find, God will “not” exalt us in due time, “if” we are not found humble before Him and all mankind.

WHAT YOU HAVE READ IS THE OUTLINE FOR ONE WHO IS CALLED TO BECOME, ONE WHO IS CHOSEN.

Blessings and SHALOM

Your servant in Christ Yeshua

Apostle Randy E.

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