Apostle Paul’s philosophy of church ministry is a God-centered ministry that is for the people of God. While Christians are still living in this sin-plagued world, the evil one will always try to draw them away from the true faith in God. There is a great need to instruct and to remind them to earnestly contend for the faith by standing on the truth and to be for the truth.

Church ministry is a ministry of hard labour with much tears and pain. Very often the spiritual leaders of the church (led by the pastor) will either be loved or hated by many. No matter what happens, the spiritual leaders must remain faithful and fervent in their service for the Lord’s sake, and preach the truth always. When they know that the congregation is growing spiritually, they will have much joy in their hearts. But if the congregation under their spiritual care starts to forsake the truth because it burdens them and they prefer to follow the world, this will surely bring pain and tears upon the leaders’ hearts. It is never easy to preach and teach the truth boldly, but a true spiritual leader must do so for the sake of the truth and for the Lord who gave the truth.

The church ministry is kept alive by the blessed hope of every spiritual leader. And this hope is seen in Apostle Paul. It is the glorious and blessed hope in the Lord’s return. It was this hope that kept him going to the very end in his church ministry. For he knew that there is a crown of righteousness waiting for him in heaven, and also for those who love the Lord and keep His commandments. Most importantly, Paul knew that he will be with the Lord forever. May we also bear this blessed hope that will help us to turn our eyes upon our Saviour while we serve Him in our church ministry which He has called us into. Let us press on in our church ministry. May we, in the end, also be able to say with the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing .” May God help us. Amen.