M1 · Part 01 of 3

The Heart of Ministry — Following Christ Into Ministry

Introduction

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45

Ministry is not a title or a task list. It is about following Jesus and becoming like Him. Ministry is service motivated by love for God and people.

Study objective

Purpose: To understand that ministry begins with the heart — a posture of humility, love and servanthood modelled by Jesus.

Section 01

WHAT IS MINISTRY?

Ministry is not a title or a task list.

It's about following Jesus and becoming like Him.

Ministry is service motivated by love for God and people.

Key scriptures

John 13:12–17

Jesus washes His disciples' feet, modelling servant leadership.

Philippians 2:5–7

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” Humility and service.

Galatians 5:13

“Through love serve one another.”

Section 02

Ministry starts with Jesus: He was the first minister in the New Testament, and He is our example.

Ministry is more than function: it is a heart posture of humility and love.

Ministry means serving without seeking recognition, putting others' needs before your own, and helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Section 03

Questions for anyone wanting to join a ministry team — and for leaders to ask new team members.

Discussion questions

01Why do you want to serve in this ministry?
02How do you see ministry as following Jesus, not just filling a role?
03How do you handle situations where you aren't noticed or praised for your service?
04How do you react when things in ministry don't go your way?
05Are you willing to serve even in tasks that seem small or unseen?
06What does Christ-likeness in ministry mean to you?

Closing discussion

Ministry flows from the heart.
Titles, teams and tasks follow heart commitment, not the other way around.
“Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” — Luke 22:26

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