The regular ministry of officially appointed or recognised ministers is a particular instance of the duty and call of all God's people.
The responsibilities of those in recognised ministry
As shepherds
Acts 20:28 See also 1 Peter 5:2
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
As watchmen
Hebrews 13:17 See also Romans 16:17; Philippians 3:2
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
As teachers
1 Timothy 3:2 See also 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:24
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
As examples
1 Timothy 4:16 See also Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:3
Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
What believers owe to those with recognised ministries
Respect
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 See also Philippians 2:29; 1 Timothy 5:17
But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
Obedience
Hebrews 13:17 See also 1 Corinthians 16:15–16
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Support
1 Corinthians 9:14 Despite Jesus Christ's command, Paul did not claim his rights in this matter, but supported himself as a tentmaker. See also Luke 10:7; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:18; Deuteronomy 25:4
In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
Prayer
Romans 15:30 See also Ephesians 6:19; Philippians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; Hebrews 13:18
Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
Hospitality
Philippians 2:29–30 See also Galatians 4:14
Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
Imitation
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Recognised ministers should encourage the ministries of other believers
Colossians 4:17 See also Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 The Holy Spirit allocates gifts and enables ministries. No individual has all the gifts; ministry is shared and mutual; Ephesians 4:7, Ephesians 4:11–13
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
The motivation of ministry is mutual love
Galatians 5:13 See also Romans 12:10, Romans 13:8; Colossians 3:12–14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:23
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
How love is expressed in mutual ministry
In humility
Ephesians 4:2 See also Romans 12:10, Romans 12:16; Galatians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:5
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
In patience
1 Thessalonians 5:14 See also James 5:9
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
In acceptance and forbearance
Romans 15:7 See also Colossians 3:13
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.
In kindness, compassion and forgiveness
Ephesians 4:32 See also Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
In burden-bearing
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
In encouragement
1 Thessalonians 5:11 See also Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:24–25
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
In teaching and admonition
Colossians 3:16 See also Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
In prayer and confession of sin
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.
In hospitality
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.