The Convergence of Ministry Expressions Is Increasing

Can the Church be Local & Global, Apologetic & Culturally-Relevant, Liturgical & Prophetic?

Have you noticed that this generation is no longer satisfied with the “either-or” mindsets of the past? I have been noticing a growing hunger for a “both-and” approach to ministry within the Church at large for some time.

One of the inherent downfalls of over-prioritizing a singular ministry expression or focus is the inevitability of believers thinking that other ministry expressions are not important. People learn not only from what they are taught but also from what they are not taught. Our silence on certain topics, or in this case, ministry practices, sends a loud message.

The influence of denominational distinctives, the pressure to uphold traditions, and the fear of going against what has been established as the standard for ministry practices have definitely been felt by many. With that said, something beautiful is happening. A renewed freedom to discover what can be accomplished when ministry expressions collide seems to be expanding across the body of Christ.

The need to disciple a new generation of believers, Gen Z & Gen Alpha specifically, that are not as familiar with the ways of the past and frankly are not burdened by them, is partly responsible for this increased appetite to see how the kingdom of God advances when we converge ministry expressions that used to remain separate from one another.

Here is some of what I’ve been seeing as I travel and minister across the country and the nations. Prayer ministries and justice-oriented ministries are coming together. A passion for both spiritual gifts and theological depth seems to be on the rise. Ministries that recognize a need for both deliverance from demonic strongholds and a commitment to spiritual disciplines are emerging. Local churches that focus on gathering and sending are becoming more common. Equipping in the areas of local impact with global missions, apologetics with cultural relevance, and predictable liturgical ministry with less predictable prophetic ministry are examples of the convergence of expressions I am noticing.

Living in the Tension

In some of the foundational years of my spiritual formation, I remember being frustrated that I often felt like I was being asked to choose between ministry expressions that I knew were both equally biblical. I felt that if I wanted to fit in with specific groups of believers, I had to elevate one aspect of the kingdom of God over another. It never made sense to me why we would take two things that Jesus clearly cared about, modeled for us, and the Scriptures command us to engage in, and put them against each other.

Reading Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:7-8, where He commands His disciples to preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons, felt just as important as Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:31-40 when He commends the righteous for feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and the prisoner. We shouldn't have to choose between these passages. Jesus is the one who speaks to both of them!

Fifteen years ago, it seemed more common that these ministry expressions, like the ones highlighted in Matthew 10 and Matthew 25, would be seen disconnected from one another. Seeing the shift take place that is bringing these and so many other ministry expressions together is very encouraging.

I don’t think it is wrong to have strengths and weaknesses or lean more towards one expression than the other naturally. God has given us all unique passions and assignments. I believe that we should pursue and experience the ministry expressions that we are less familiar with and even uncomfortable participating in. Even when individual local churches take on particular mission focuses that lead them to be more developed or mature in ministry expressions over others, there should be a willingness to work with other churches that are more developed in other areas. Our neighborhoods, schools, and cities overall will benefit from churches working together and leveraging one another’s passions and strengths for the greater good of the gospel.

One thing I am seeing in Columbus, Ohio, where my wife and I pastor, is an increased number of churches that have had an evangelistic culture and are also beginning to establish weekly prayer meetings. I am also seeing churches that have traditionally maintained strong prayer and worship environments become more focused on spreading the gospel and evangelizing. It has been fascinating and inspiring to hear the testimonies from these churches as they see the fruit of their efforts.

Ministry Convergence in the New Testament

One of my favorite examples of the convergence of ministry expressions in the gospels is found at the end of Matthew and Luke. Most are familiar with the Great Commission that Jesus gives the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20:

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

It was new to me that at the end of Luke, we see the first action steps the disciples took towards living out the Great Commission. We see it clearly when we look at Luke 24:50-53:

And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

Just by reading the last few verses of both Matthew and Luke, we see the convergence of making disciples, baptizing new believers, teaching the words of Jesus, and the rhythm of continual worship in the house of God. The moment we get into the book of Acts, we see this continued overlapping of ministry practices and expressions. It was central to the building of the church and the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe this reemergence of ministry expressions converging is going to be central to the end-time harvest we are all believing for.

I am very encouraged and expectant that this trend will continue. I believe we are going to see a generation of well-rounded and well-equipped disciples who have the confidence to walk in multiple ministry expressions in impactful ways for the glory of Jesus! Join me in praying for this to unfold.

If you have stories or testimonies about the impact of ministry expressions converging in your area, you’d like to share with me, I’d love to hear from you. Just email me at gerald@gardencitychurch.tv.