Biblical Foundation
What follows is Scriptural support for the concept of ministry being done by teams of laborers, and other resources (both theological and historical) that have bearing on the subject of team ministry and involving all members in ministry. If, after reading some of the documents below, you or your group want to pursue this ministry model, then please click on either the "Church Readiness" or "Leader Readiness" tabs.
Biblical and Historical Documents
1. Outline of Verses showing TEAM ministry throughout the Bible - Click HERE.
2. Miller Dissertation on Collaboration & First Century Training Methods/History
a. Click HERE and read Chapter 2 of the dissertation. This chapter contains Biblical, historical, cultural and Ellen White references.
b. An article outlining the schools of the Rabbis in the first century is available HERE. NOTE: This and the following source are to help understand the practices of disciples in the first and second centuries AD. They are not necessarily authorities on Biblical understanding.
c. Rabbis and Their Disciples - An article that gives basic understanding about Rabbis and their method of making disciples. Click HERE.
d. Church Organization in the First Century: Rome - A study by Kenneth Strand that provides historical information about the first century in connection with the appointment of local leaders of churches. Click HERE
a. Click HERE and read Chapter 2 of the dissertation. This chapter contains Biblical, historical, cultural and Ellen White references.
b. An article outlining the schools of the Rabbis in the first century is available HERE. NOTE: This and the following source are to help understand the practices of disciples in the first and second centuries AD. They are not necessarily authorities on Biblical understanding.
c. Rabbis and Their Disciples - An article that gives basic understanding about Rabbis and their method of making disciples. Click HERE.
d. Church Organization in the First Century: Rome - A study by Kenneth Strand that provides historical information about the first century in connection with the appointment of local leaders of churches. Click HERE
3. Wibberding Dissertation and Article on Lay Pastor Training
a. Wibberding Dissertation on lay pastor training: Click HERE.
b. Wibberding Ministry Magazine Article: Click HERE for an informative article that summarizes much of the methodology in the dissertation.
4. The Priesthood of All Believers by Dr. Sokupa
Mxolisi Michael Sokupa, PhD, DTh writes a concise and informative article on the subject of the priesthood of ALL believers. Biblical and historical content is included. Click HERE to access this free article that highlights Biblical and Historical concepts on the topic of the priesthood of all believers.
5. Revolution in the Church by Russell Burrill (for purchase)
Click HERE to access an informative book by Russell Burrill.
Returning to an Early Adventist Model
1. Back to the Future - An overview article by David Klinedinst that highlights the New Testament concepts that were present in Early Adventism as we organized for ministry. Click on the link HERE for access to this article.
2. Seventh-day Adventism and the Formation of Ministerial Identity - Michael Campbell describes some of the particulars of what church structure looked like in Early Adventism. Specifically, the roles of the Pastor, Elder, Deacon and local church officers. Click HERE.
3. Advantages of a Multi-Church district - Read of one Pastor's journey to go from the "hovering" mode referred to in Adventist History to multi-church work. Click HERE.
4. A Job for Superman - David Cook and Ryan Ashlock describe a path forward for the ministerial job description. In so doing, they take the reader through history and inspired counsel. Click HERE.
5. The Forgotten Movement - Once churches are able to have ministry teams in place, then others can be sent to places that have yet to be entered. Click HERE for this informative article.
6. A High and Sacred Calling - A brief historical article on the formation of ministerial education in the Adventist Church. Click HERE.
7. Review and Herald (October 15, 1861) - Read this informative historical account and understanding of the early Seventh-day Adventist Church. The same conclusions can still be drawn today from the writings of Scripture (see "Biblical Foundation" page by clicking on the tab above). Click HERE and see pages 4 and onward.
2. Seventh-day Adventism and the Formation of Ministerial Identity - Michael Campbell describes some of the particulars of what church structure looked like in Early Adventism. Specifically, the roles of the Pastor, Elder, Deacon and local church officers. Click HERE.
3. Advantages of a Multi-Church district - Read of one Pastor's journey to go from the "hovering" mode referred to in Adventist History to multi-church work. Click HERE.
4. A Job for Superman - David Cook and Ryan Ashlock describe a path forward for the ministerial job description. In so doing, they take the reader through history and inspired counsel. Click HERE.
5. The Forgotten Movement - Once churches are able to have ministry teams in place, then others can be sent to places that have yet to be entered. Click HERE for this informative article.
6. A High and Sacred Calling - A brief historical article on the formation of ministerial education in the Adventist Church. Click HERE.
7. Review and Herald (October 15, 1861) - Read this informative historical account and understanding of the early Seventh-day Adventist Church. The same conclusions can still be drawn today from the writings of Scripture (see "Biblical Foundation" page by clicking on the tab above). Click HERE and see pages 4 and onward.
