This question is aimed in general at all. How would you build a new church or how would you energize an old and small congregation to growth? Specifically, I really want to hear what Phil's philosophy of ministry is all about. I have heard him put down many contemporary points of view for evangelism so lets hear how he himself would do it. I want to be enlightened, he knows what not to do so I want to see if he and others have ideas that truly can help a church to prosper. Later I will address the question with my views.

-- Anonymous, September 12, 2002

Answers

1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth 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. 9Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 13The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002

First off Phil, if you are going to quote a passage of scripture, do it correctly, you forget to list the chapter which is 2 Timothy 4.

Now that we know you can cut and paste scripture, it would be nice for you to give us your spin on application.

Are you implying or stating? Is your point that we should get on a soap box and begin preaching on any street corner. Or is your point that you're approach to ministry is the preach only, do nothing else approach (in which case many would call that laziness). By the way, the passage says do the work of an evangelist, what does that mean? And maybe just maybe, could the ministry of the evangelist be past. That we are now in the age of ministry by the Pastor-Teacher (see Eph. 4).

Hoping for a true response from you.

You truly befuddle me Phil. When can we get an original thought from you. Something that you have thought through and can express from your experiences. BTW, come to the table with a Bible that is a translation for us today. We have not spoken King James english in about 400 years. Do you use KJV for reaching mexicans? I doubt it, my guess is you use a spanish version. So think about the implication for today brother.

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002

Bill,

I think it's quite obvious that Phil can't answer. He's already stated that he is against church growth.

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002