Each candidate is asked to prepare a “mission statement,” called a Theology of Ministry, for service in the Kingdom.  This assignment is meant to reveal your understanding of ministry in general, and your perception of your own personal ministry calling.  The Theology of Ministry statement involves the Scriptural and spiritual motivation and methodology for performing ministry.  This should be a well-thought out basis from which your ministry will flow.  The writing of this paper is designed to help you think critically and analytically about your call to ministry.  It is the purpose of this exercise to help you “get a handle” on your calling.  Your ministry is unique, because you are different from everyone else.  You cannot and should not try to copy someone else’s style, nor can you be everything to everybody.  In this exercise you may identify your spiritual gifts and begin to specialize and personalize your vision for a life of ministry.

First of all, pray for guidance and examine the Biblical directions and admonitions for people in full-time service to the Lord and His Kingdom.  List the key Scriptures that will become the Biblical base for direction and authority that will guide your ministry in the years ahead.  Fads and feelings change with the trends and times, but the foundation of God’s Word is steadfast and unshakable.  Some suggested Scripture references are Ezekiel 34:1-31; Matthew 28:19, 20; Luke 4:18, 19; Acts 1:6-8; 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 13:1-13; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 2:1-10; 2 Peter 1:1-10; and Jude 3. However, do not limit yourselves to these references.  A little study in a good reference Bible, concordance, or topical Bible will uncover many other verses that will shed light on your calling.  Learn now to enjoy searching the Word and running references.  This can become an exciting and rewarding portion of your study!

Secondly, relate your ministry experiences to date.  What have you done?  What did you do well?  What did you enjoy?  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  What gifts of the Spirit have revealed themselves in your life and ministry?  What vision and dream has God given you for your future?  Interweave and blend this personal experience and reference with Scriptural base: how do the two relate?  Are there glaring deficiencies and weaknesses, or does your ministry life so far, and your dreams for the future, conform with the Scriptural platform that is provided for our guidance?  What should you be doing that you are not doing now, or what should you not be doing now and in the future?

Thirdly, examine the relationship between the present-day view of ministry and the Biblical concept of servant hood.  Explore the difference between personal ambition for advancement/power and a desire to serve the Kingdom and the Lord.  Some people enter the ministry because of a neurotic desire “to suffer,” or an angry spirit that wants to “set them all straight.”  How does your vision and driving force serve the Church and the Lord?  Are your motives pure?  Please search your heart as you write this section.  Ask the Lord to reveal and purify the hidden corners of your heart, mind, and spirit that provide the driving forces in your ministry (Psalm 19:12-14).

As you write, remember that you will be evaluated in the following five areas:

1. Your understanding of the assignment’s importance
2. The use of Scripture as your foundation of ministry
3. Clarity in presenting your dream/vision of your future involvement in ministry
4. Neatness, proper grammar, and writing skills (The assignment should be 8–10 typed, double-spaced pages.)
5. Skill in communicating your calling (Having a vision is only half the battle; helping people to understand and persuading them to follow you in that vision will be a constant challenge throughout your ministry.)

Lastly, answer the following questions:

1. What would you like to do in the ministry, if money and time were no object?
2. What great things would you love to accomplish for the Savior?
3. How would you really like to be involved in the Kingdom?  (Sometimes He does make dreams come true, if they are His dreams.)

(Adapted from M. Dwain Pyeatt, “How to Write Your Theology of Ministry Paper: Instructions,” prepared for Ministerial Development for the Ministerial Internship Program.)