Essence of Lay Pastors Ministry. What is the essence of this ministry? I think the first one is personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Of course to fulfill the Divine’s call is important too. Let me talk about LPMI USA’s board members. They are still belonging to this ministry which is almost 30 years old. Why?
At present they are growing personally, professionally and also respond to God’s calling, so I think personal growth is the practical essence of this ministry. And calling of Divine is not a neglected issue here. Why do you do this? Yes, God called me to do it. This is a definite answer, and it is correct.
Another essence is church growth. Whatever we do, it should be related to expanding the kingdom of God. As we know the living tree will grow, and this is definitely true, and no question about it. Whatever its numeral or quality, the ministry should help to grow the church inside and outside.
Another issue is relating to church culture. If there are not good cultures in the church, actually through this ministry their culture will change. And also there should be ministry-oriented culture which means not only to be a member of the church but also ministry-focused in mind.
Lastly to fulfill God’s will, and this is Biblical mandate. Lay Pastors Ministry is trying to fulfill God’s mandate which could be found from John 21:15-17, Jesus said to Peter, “If you love me, care, tend, feed my sheep, and more from I Peter 5:1-4 that the Great Chart which Dr. Melvin put this name. Yes, we have to love our neighbors and people around us, that is the fulfillment of God’s law. So LPM is trying to do this mandate more in detail, and systematically. I think those elements are the essence of the Lay Pastors Ministry.