Christian workers must have a clear understanding of the role God plays in evangelism, discipleship and other aspects of ministry. Unless we consciously operate out of a _________________ model of ministry, we will automatically default to a _____________-centered model, and all the defeat that comes with it.

A moment’s reflection tells us that what we propose to accomplish in Christian ministry is _______________. To reach people’s hearts with conviction of their need for Christ, to train them up in the faith, to impart the deep things of God in a life-changing way, to oppose and defeat powerful evil spirits--these are acts that no human can hope to accomplish, no matter how intelligent and competent that person may be. The key to ministry success is always the same: That God moves through us "leading us in his triumph." (2 Cor. 2:14)

Although no real ministry will go forward without the power of God, we should not deny the human part in this process, which would be __________spirituality. Paul declares that he and the other apostles are "God's fellow workers." (1 Cor. 3:9) Yes, "neither he who plants nor he who reaps are anything but God who causes the growth." (vs. 7) But this is a figure of speech meaning that _____________to God, the planter and reaper are nothing. We should not understand this hyperbole literalistically. Do we really think that everything would have come out the same even if Paul had never gone to Corinth to plant? We hold that his planting did make a difference, and Paul is arguing this as well, or the whole chapter in 1 Corinthians 3 would be pointless and absurd. An honest reading of the Bible reveals a strong doctrine of human agency in ministry. God has elected to work though human beings, and therefore our actions are important.

What, then, should we anticipate God will do from his side in our ministry?

In general, God's role in ministry is similar to His role in personal sanctification. In both, God supplies the power to bear fruit. And in both, we are to act in accordance with God's will with complete dependence upon Him to perform His work through us.

Failure to understand or believe in God's role in ministry:

Consider the likely effect that a proper outlook in the area of God's role will have in each of the following areas. On a three column grid, describe the outlook and actions of the human effort minister on the left, the God-centered minister in the middle, and the reason for the difference on the right.

E. Leadership

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