The Christian Foundation for Lay Mobilization
IMPERATIVE #1: Ministry is an act of love and devotion to Christ. We more deeply understand our personal relationship with Christ as we serve in community.
John 21:15-17 (vs. 15) . . . Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these? . . .Feed my lambs."
IMPERATIVE #2: God has a unique purpose or calling for each of our lives. Every "member" is a minister.
Jeremiah 1:4,5; Ephesians 2:10; I Peter 2:5, 9, 10 (vs. 5)you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood . . . .
IMPERATIVE #3: We all have been given gifts to fulfill our calling. We encourage each other to say, "No, that's not my calling." if one is asked to serve in a way in which his gifts aren't being used.
Psalm 139:13-16; I Peter 4:10-11 (vs. 10)Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
IMPERATIVE #4: Gifts are given not to be left idle, but to be used in community, to serve God and others. We encourage each other to say YES to finding our gifts and using them FOR THE COMMUNITY.
Romans 12:4; I Corinthians 12:4-12, 18 (vss. 4 & 7)There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. . . .Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
IMPERATIVE #5 Real spiritual growth is activated as we serve others.
James 1:22-27, 2:14-17 (vss. 16 & 17)If one of you says to (a poor brother), "Go, I wish you well . . ." but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Original Sources p. I-13 thru I-17, the Starter Kit for Mobilizing Ministry and Handout p.3-8, The Equipping Church
