My Views On Theology Of Ministry

There are many professions out there yet I feel my profession is called to show others the compassion and healing of Christ. I strongly believe “that there is no limit to what God can accomplish when we listen to His calling and allow Him to work through them. Scripture tells us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another”. It is with this scripture in mind that I feel I am called to show kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to the world.

Theology of Ministry:

Ecclesiology

Since the beginning we see that the Church is much more than a building yet it’s a foundational tool in the puzzle for which God has created. Many times we read how the church is the body of Christ and all of us have a part in the church. In Ephesians 2:20-22 we see that “Christ himself is set as the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord”. It is an essential tool in bringing people to Christ. Ellen White says “Ministers should impress upon the people the necessity of individual effort. No church can flourish unless its members are workers. The people must lift where the ministers lift.” To me, this is the meaning of church, we all have a part to make it grow. There are enough benchwarmers in the world yet we need players to change the world to spread the Gospel and change lives.

Discipleship

We see in scripture Jesus breaking barriers and status quos by calling out those who came from various fields of work to follow him. He was looking for people who were willing to drop what they were doing and follow him. This too me at times resonates heavily because at times we feel as though our lives are okay which can make us stale not realizing that, what we need is to drop what we’re doing and follow him. It is a huge discipline to be a disciple for Christ. Even the disciples themselves wanted to know what their role should be in in Christs story. Yet, it is so simple Christ says in John 8:31-32 “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” By following Christ commands and surrendering our lives surely we can be a disciple for him.

Soteriology

Other religions or beliefs may have other ideas on Salvation yet I feel that Salvation is simple. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shalt be saved”. It is by faith that we believe in the concept of Salvation. It is not something we can buy or obtain on our own, it is free. God have given us salvation and we must accept it, cherish it and hold on to it. It is the greatest gift to human kind that can never be returned.

Spiritual leadership

Leadership in our churches where we see Christ as the center of it all is what should be the goal for members of the church. Jesus was the perfect example of “walking the talk” he practiced what he preached and people saw that. He exemplified the qualities of a leader by showing love, compassion and mercy. I feel God calls each one of us to be a leader in one way or another. Not necessarily being the CEO or Pastor of a church but someone who is willing to help bring others around them up without the need of having attention. I feel as though the type of leadership we all wish to have exemplifies Christ. Which in order to obtain we need to have daily devotion and genuine relationship with Christ.

Ministry Skills and Experience

I was brought home to my humble home in San Bernardino California born to two immigrant parents from Mexico. Throughout my parent’s lifetime in Mexico they had always been accustomed to the catholic church. That is until they came to the United States and were invited to church by a local bible worker. Leaving their gold bracelets and catholic traditions they were both baptized into the church soon after. From then on they soon became my spiritual role models to whom I still am so grateful for. It was because of their commitment to serve Christ that helped instill service in me. The beginning for ministry in my life began at a young age where I quickly learned that if I wanted to create a bible study or even explain to others who Jesus was, I had to start by being an example first and foremost in school. I didn’t grow up going to private schools so if I wanted to go to a bible study I had to invite my classmates who were not Christian to my house or to church at times even inviting them to VBS. My church was bigger than most but since the youth had slowly dwindled off I was always asked to participate in the evening programs which were the Adventist youth programs as well as be a part of Pathfinder club and even be part the church board as the youth representative. I was even a translator during church sermons which also helped my Spanish.

Throughout high school I was blessed to go to a public school where I met for the first time in any academic setting friends who were Seventh Day Adventist. During this time, it meant so much to me to be able to connect with those who understood why I couldn’t play basketball on Friday nights or eat pepperoni and not having to explain to them why. I felt as though they understood. It was in high school that I seriously began to form a deeper relationship with Christ attending mid-week bible studies and fostering healthy Christian relationships. I was able to help set up the first SDA small group bible study on campus where the pastor from Redlands Adventist Academy would stop by, bring burritos and enjoy each other’s company all while having an environment to ask questions regarding biblical principles or general life questions.

Spiritual gifts

Being a follower of Christ means we must be willing to go on the journey. “The more we discover about who we are and whose we are, the more we can appreciate the journey and the ministry to which we have been called.” This includes us identifying our spiritual gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit so that we may be able to discern Gods plan for the purpose of our gifts. Each person has a gift given by the Holy Spirit. They are who we are, but how we use them to grow in our personal faith and in our everyday lives is up to us. Jeremiah 1:4-4 paints a clear picture of how we are a part of Gods plan from the beginning. In my experience, those closest to me can affirm that the spiritual gifts given to be by the Holy Spirit are the gifts of hospitality, artistic creativity and service. These gifts didn’t come over night instead they were strengthened by my family, church community and the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the gift of hospitality, I know God has used me numerous times to reach those whom I never knew would be possible. Through the gift of artistic creativity which I feel is a spiritual gift that God has used to be able to reach not only adults but be able to reach children who can see the joy and simplicity of following Jesus through crafts, stories and real life applications is a gift I feel that has been matured over time. The spiritual gift of service is what I feel has pushed me to serve those ‘who are the least of these’ since Christ did not come to the earth to be served instead to serve. This is the backbone of what I feel my job will help me with which is to reach those in my field of Speech language pathology who can all declare this Psalm “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long”. I know that the Holy Spirit is not done with me and will form and shape my gifts even as I age to bring more people to Christs kingdom.

Temperament and Personality

I was not surprised when I took the temperament test which confirmed that I was a Sanguine and a Choleric. I have always been the life of the party, which may also have to do with having middle child syndrome. Yet that is a different story. As I looked at the weaknesses of each characteristic it was hard to reexam what I thought I was good at, like being sociable and confident to re-examining what I really need to work on. For example, being more empathetic and not being distracted so easily. I know that the traits I have are important when it comes to my interpersonal relationships not only with my family and friends but also with the clients and children I will be communicating on a daily basis. They are best suited for my career which I know God has set on my heart to help minister to those who I can reach.

Growth needs and Ministry Goals

I believe that God has called me to be a bilingual speech pathologist to not only help reach those who need help communicating but those who are in need of someone who is willing to listen, care and nurture their speaking capabilities in their own language. Just as Christ has called us to serve those in need. I feel my calling is for my Hispanic community back home who lacks the needs and the funds to get help. The work of service, compassion and patience are goals I aim to achieve while serving since I know that there will be young Hispanic girls who will look up to me to not only set an example of what it’s like to not drop out school, to not have a child yet instead pursue your goals and have faith in the one who gives us life. I do recognize that I need growth in my field of work. I worry that I may not be able to reach those who are not believers or who speak a different language other than Spanish.

Another aspect I need to grow is patience and empathy. I need to be patient especially since that will be my field of expertise which is a crucial trait. Although I know that what I can’t do, cannot amount to what God can do through me.