UNION BIBLICAL SEMINARY DISTANCE

LEARNING PROGRAMS (ENGLISH)

(Accredited by ATA)

M.Div. 1st Semester Examination - March 2022

PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

Time: 3 hours

Marks: 100

Answer any Five questions. All questions carry equal marks

1. What is the meaning of Christian Ministry according to the Bible

and illustrate its characteristics?
The Christian ministry, according to the Bible, is the service and work of spreading
the teachings of Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel to others. This can be
done through a variety of means, such as preaching, teaching, counseling, and serving
in various capacities within the church and community.
One of the key characteristics of Christian ministry is a focus on spreading the
message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This is often done through
preaching, teaching, and evangelism, with the goal of leading people to a personal
relationship with God through faith in Jesus.
Another characteristic of Christian ministry is a focus on serving others and meeting
their needs. This can take many forms, such as providing food and shelter for the
homeless, caring for the sick and elderly, and working to address social and economic
injustices.
A key aspect of Christian ministry is the call to holiness and the pursuit of personal
spiritual growth. This includes a commitment to living according to the teachings of
Jesus and the principles of the Bible, as well as a focus on developing the fruit of the
Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control.
Christian ministry also involves being a part of the body of Christ, which is the
Church. This includes participating in worship, fellowship, and service within the
local church community, and being accountable to spiritual leaders and other
members of the church.
One of the most important elements of Christian ministry is the empowerment of the
Holy Spirit. A minister is not only equipped with knowledge and understanding of the
Bible, but is also empowered by the Holy Spirit to effectively share the message of
the Gospel and to serve others.
In conclusion, Christian ministry is the work of spreading the message of salvation
through faith in Jesus Christ, serving others and meeting their needs, pursuing
personal spiritual growth and holiness, being a part of the body of Christ, and being
empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is a calling to serve others and to be a reflection of
the love and grace of God to the world.

2. Explain different images of church in the New Testament and

their meaning for the life and ministry of the church today.

The New Testament presents several different images or metaphors for the Church,
each of which conveys a different aspect of its nature and purpose. Some of the most
prominent images include:

The Body of Christ: This image, found in passages such as 1 Corinthians 12:12-27,
emphasizes the interdependence and unity of all believers, with each person playing a
unique and necessary role in the functioning of the whole. This image also highlights
the importance of mutual love, care and accountability among the members of the
church.

The Temple: This image, found in passages such as Ephesians 2:19-22, emphasizes
the sacredness and holiness of the Church, which is a dwelling place of the Holy
Spirit. This image also highlights the significance of the Church being a place of
worship and devotion.

The Vine and the Branches: This image, found in John 15:1-8, emphasizes the
importance of believers remaining in close relationship with Jesus, the true vine, in
order to bear fruit. This image also highlights the need for the church to be in constant
connection with Jesus and to be obedient to his teachings.

The Flock: This image, found in passages such as John 10:11-16, emphasizes the role
of the Church's leaders as shepherds who care for and protect the members of the
flock. This image also highlights the importance of the Church being led by godly
leaders who guide and protect their congregation.

The Salt and Light: This image, found in Matthew 5:13-16, emphasizes the Church's
role in the world as a source of spiritual and moral influence. This image also
highlights the importance of the Church being a positive influence on the society and
being a beacon of hope for the lost.

Each of these images has important implications for the life and ministry of the
Church today. For example, the Body of Christ image highlights the importance of
mutual love and care among the members of the Church, while the Temple image
emphasizes the importance of the Church being a place of worship and devotion. The
Vine and the Branches image highlights the importance of the Church remaining in
close relationship with Jesus, and the Flock image emphasizes the importance of the
Church being led by godly leaders. The Salt and Light image highlights the
importance of the Church being a positive influence on the society and being a beacon
of hope for the lost.
 1. Write an essay on ‘Jesus: The Master Trainer’ and its
relevance to the Christian ministers and leaders.
Jesus is widely considered to be the ultimate master trainer and leader within the
Christian faith. He is seen as the embodiment of God's teachings, and his life and
example continue to inspire and guide Christian ministers and leaders to this day. In
this essay, we will explore the various ways in which Jesus serves as a master trainer
and how his teachings and example are relevant to Christian ministers and leaders
today.
One of the most significant aspects of Jesus as a master trainer is the way in which he
effectively communicated complex spiritual truths to his followers. He used parables
and other forms of storytelling to convey deeper meanings and to make his teachings
more accessible to a wide range of people. For example, the parable of the prodigal
son is a powerful illustration of God's love and forgiveness, and it continues to
resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds. This ability to effectively
communicate spiritual truths is an important aspect of Christian ministry and
leadership. It reminds us that our message should be communicated in a way that is
easily understood and relevant to our audience, and that it should be shared in a way
that is engaging and meaningful.
Another key aspect of Jesus as a master trainer is his ability to lead by example. He
lived out the values and principles he taught, and he was a model of humility,
compassion, and service. He was not just a teacher, but a living embodiment of the
teachings he shared. This example is an inspiration to Christian ministers and leaders
who are called to live out the teachings of Jesus in their own lives and to lead others
to do the same. This emphasis on leading by example is an important reminder that
our actions should match our words and that our personal conduct should reflect the
values we espouse.
Furthermore, Jesus as a master trainer, also showed that he is a servant leader. He
demonstrated this through his actions such as washing the feet of his disciples and
speaking about the importance of serving others. This message of servant leadership
is a crucial aspect of Christian ministry and leadership. It reminds us that true
leadership is not about power and control, but about serving others and putting their
needs first. The example of Jesus serves as a reminder that our role as leaders is to
serve and to help others to grow and develop.
Jesus also taught that the true mark of a leader is the ability to empower others to
become leaders in their own right. He did this by choosing and training a group of
disciples, who would go on to become leaders in their own right and spread the
message of Jesus to the world. This emphasis on empowering others is a valuable
lesson for Christian ministers and leaders today, as it reminds us that our ultimate goal
should be to help others to grow and develop in their own faith. This means that we
should not only focus on our own leadership development but also on the
development of others.
In conclusion, Jesus as a master trainer continues to be a powerful and relevant model
for Christian ministers and leaders today. His ability to effectively communicate
spiritual truths, lead by example, serve others, and empower others to become leaders
in their own right, continue to inspire and guide those who seek to follow in his
footsteps. These principles and teachings of Jesus are the foundation of Christian
ministry and leadership, and they remain as relevant today as they were 2000 years
ago. By studying and emulating the example of Jesus, Christian ministers and leaders
can deepen their understanding of the faith and develop the skills they need to serve
others effectively.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the present

theological education in India with a special reference to
the ministerial training?
Theological education in India has both strengths and weaknesses when it comes to
training ministers. Here are ten potential strengths and weaknesses to consider:
Strengths:
Rich spiritual heritage: India has a long history of spiritual and religious traditions,
which provides a rich foundation for theological education.
Diverse religious landscape: India is home to a wide variety of religious traditions,
which allows for a diverse range of theological perspectives and approaches to be
studied.
Strong emphasis on scriptural study: Many theological institutions in India place a
strong emphasis on the study of religious texts and scriptural analysis.
Experienced and qualified faculty: Many theological institutions in India have
experienced and qualified faculty members who are well-versed in their field of study.
Access to a wide range of resources: Theological institutions in India often have
access to a wide range of resources, including libraries, research centers, and other
academic institutions.
Focus on practical skills: Many theological institutions in India provide training in
practical skills that are relevant to ministerial work, such as preaching, counseling,
and community development.
Opportunities for fieldwork: Theological institutions in India often provide
opportunities for students to engage in fieldwork and gain practical experience in their
chosen field of study.
Encourages interfaith dialogue: Theological education in India encourages interfaith
dialogue and understanding, which helps to promote harmony and peace among
different religious communities.
Weaknesses:
Limited resources: Many theological institutions in India struggle with limited
resources and funding, which can affect the quality of education they are able to
provide.
Inadequate facilities: Some theological institutions in India lack adequate facilities
and infrastructure, which can impact the quality of education they are able to provide.
Limited access to technology: Some theological institutions in India may lack access
to technology and resources that are necessary for effective teaching and learning.
Lack of emphasis on contemporary issues: Some theological institutions in India may
not place enough emphasis on contemporary issues and challenges facing the church
and society today.
Limited opportunities for professional development: Some theological institutions in
India may not provide adequate opportunities for students to engage in professional
development and training.
Limited exposure to other religious traditions: Some theological institutions in India
may not provide adequate exposure to other religious traditions, which can limit the
ability of students to engage in interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Lack of accreditation: Some theological institutions in India may not be accredited,
which can limit the recognition and credibility of their degrees.
Limited job opportunities: Some theological institutions in India may not provide
adequate job opportunities for students after they graduate, which can limit the ability
of students to apply their education in a practical setting.
It's important to note that, this is a general overview and may not be true for all
Theological institutions in India. Theological education in India is varied and the
quality of education can vary greatly depending on the institution, resources, and
location.

3. Why should we focus on the leadership development in the

church? What should we do to accomplish in this task?
Suggest a pattern of leadership development.

Leadership development in the church is important for several reasons. First and
foremost, strong leaders are essential for the growth and flourishing of the church.
Effective leaders are able to inspire and mobilize members, build and maintain strong
teams, and navigate the complex challenges that churches face. They are also able to
guide the church in its mission and vision, and create a sense of direction and purpose.
Second, leadership development is essential for the spiritual growth of church
members. As individuals take on leadership roles and responsibilities, they are
challenged to grow in their faith, humility, and service. They learn to rely on God and
to trust in His guidance. This spiritual growth not only benefits the individual, but also
strengthens the entire church community.
Third, leadership development is essential for the development of future leaders. By
investing in the development of current leaders, the church is able to ensure that there
will be strong leaders to carry on the work of the church in the future.
To accomplish this task, the church should focus on the following:

Providing opportunities for learning and growth: The church should provide
opportunities for members to learn about leadership, such as workshops, seminars,
and training sessions. These opportunities should be tailored to the specific needs of
the church and its members.

Creating a culture of mentorship: The church should foster a culture of mentorship,

where experienced leaders mentor and guide newer leaders. This can include one-on-
one relationships as well as group mentoring.

Providing opportunities for leadership experience: The church should provide

opportunities for members to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, such as
serving on committees, leading teams, and organizing events.

Encouraging accountability and evaluation: The church should encourage

accountability and evaluation, so that leaders are held responsible for their actions and
can receive feedback on how to improve.
A pattern of leadership development may include the following steps:

Assessment: Begin by assessing the leadership needs of the church and identifying
potential leaders. This can include assessing current leaders as well as identifying
potential leaders among the congregation.

Training: Provide training and education to leaders on topics such as leadership

theory, team-building, decision-making, and communication.

Mentoring: Provide mentoring and coaching to leaders, so they can receive guidance
and support as they take on leadership roles.

Experience: Provide opportunities for leaders to gain experience by taking on

leadership roles and responsibilities within the church.

Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the performance of leaders and provide feedback on

areas for improvement.

Continual learning: Encourage leaders to continue learning and growing through

attending conferences, workshops, and other opportunities for professional
development.

Celebrate successes: Recognize and celebrate the successes and achievements of

leaders, this will encourage them to continue to grow and lead.

It's important to note that, this pattern is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may need
to be adapted to suit the specific needs of the church. The leadership development
program should be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the church and its
leaders, and should be evaluated and adjusted as needed.

4. Write down your understanding of the Gifts of the Spirit

and the Fruit of the Spirit with scriptural references? How
is it critically important for our life and ministry?
The Gifts of the Spirit:
Wisdom: The ability to understand spiritual truths and apply them to daily life. (1
Corinthians 12:8)
Knowledge: The ability to understand and articulate spiritual truths. (1 Corinthians
12:8)
Faith: The ability to trust in God and believe in His promises. (1 Corinthians 12:9)
Healing: The ability to bring physical and emotional healing to others through the
power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:9)
Miracles: The ability to perform supernatural acts through the power of the Holy
Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:10)
Prophecy: The ability to speak forth the message of God under the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:10)
Discernment of spirits: The ability to distinguish between the work of the Holy Spirit
and the work of evil spirits. (1 Corinthians 12:10)
Speaking in tongues: The ability to speak in a language unknown to the speaker,
given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of communicating with God and edifying the
church. (1 Corinthians 12:10)
Interpretation of tongues: The ability to interpret tongues spoken in a church setting.
(1 Corinthians 12:10)
The Fruit of the Spirit:
Love: The ability to show love and compassion to others, just as Christ loved us.
(Galatians 5:22)
Joy: A deep-seated inner happiness and contentment that comes from being in a right
relationship with God. (Galatians 5:22)
Peace: The ability to have peace and tranquility in our hearts and minds, even in
difficult circumstances. (Galatians 5:22)
Patience: The ability to bear with others and endure difficulties without becoming
frustrated or angry. (Galatians 5:22)
Kindness: The ability to be gentle, considerate, and helpful to others. (Galatians 5:22)
Goodness: The ability to do what is right and just, even when it is difficult. (Galatians
5:22)
Faithfulness: The ability to be dependable and trustworthy in our relationships and
responsibilities. (Galatians 5:22)
Gentleness: The ability to be kind and sensitive to the needs of others. (Galatians
5:23)
Self-control: The ability to control our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and to resist
temptation. (Galatians 5:23)
In summary, the Gifts of the Spirit are abilities given to believers to serve and glorify
God, while the Fruit of the Spirit are the character traits produced in a believer's life
as a result of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Both are critically important
for our life and ministry, as they enable us to effectively serve and minister to others,
and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

The Gifts of the Spirit, also known as the Spiritual Gifts, are abilities given to
believers in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit to serve and glorify God. These gifts are
listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing,
miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of
tongues.
The Fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, refers to the character traits produced in a
believer's life as a result of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. These traits are
listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Both the Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit are critically important for our life and ministry.
The Gifts of the Spirit empower us to serve and minister to others in specific ways,
while the Fruit of the Spirit produces Christ-like character in us, which is essential for
effective ministry and Christian living.
The Gifts of the Spirit are given to each believer as the Spirit wills, and they are to be
used to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7). They are not given for
personal benefit or for self-promotion, but for the common good of the church.
The Fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, is the evidence of the indwelling presence of
the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. The Fruit of the Spirit is not something that can be
produced by human effort, but is the result of being filled and controlled by the Holy
Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
In summary, the Gifts of the Spirit are abilities given to us by the Holy Spirit to serve
and glorify God, while the Fruit of the Spirit is the character traits produced in us as a
result of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Both are critically important for
our life and ministry, and both are necessary for effective Christian living.

5. Discuss the issues facing Churches in India today.

Suggest alternative ways to address such issues.
There are several issues facing churches in India today, including:

Persecution: Many Christians in India face persecution and discrimination from Hindu
nationalist groups and other religious extremists. This includes physical violence,
destruction of church properties, and harassment of church leaders.

Lack of resources: Many churches in India are located in rural and impoverished
areas, and they often lack the resources to meet the needs of their congregations. This
includes lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities like clean water
and sanitation.

Lack of trained leaders: Many churches in India are led by untrained pastors who lack
the theological education and skills needed to effectively lead their congregations.

Caste-based discrimination: The caste system in India has resulted in discrimination

and marginalization of certain communities, including Dalit and tribal communities,
which affects the Church in India as well.

Alternative ways to address such issues include:

Building relationships: Building relationships with other community leaders,

including religious leaders, can help to reduce the level of hostility and discrimination
faced by Christians in India.

Empowering local communities: Providing education, training, and resources to local

communities can help to empower them to address their own needs, and to reduce
their dependence on outside assistance.
Developing leaders: Providing theological education and training to pastors and other
church leaders can help to equip them to effectively lead their congregations.

Addressing caste-based discrimination: Addressing caste-based discrimination

through education, awareness-raising, and advocating for the rights of marginalized
communities can help to reduce the marginalization of certain communities.

Community development: Community development programs such as building wells,

toilets, schools, and health centers will address the basic needs of the people, which in
turn will help in the growth of the Church.

Advocacy: Advocating for the rights of Christians and other religious minorities, and
speaking out against discrimination and persecution can help to raise awareness and
bring about change in India.

It's important to note that the situation in India is complex and multifaceted, and
addressing the issues facing churches in India will require a multifaceted approach
that takes into account the unique cultural, political, and social contexts of India.

Persecution: Many Christians in India face persecution and discrimination from Hindu
nationalist groups and other religious extremists. This includes physical violence,
destruction of church properties, and harassment of church leaders. This type of
persecution can take many forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse,
discrimination in employment and education, and social ostracism. The persecution
faced by Christians in India is often motivated by a belief that Christians are
attempting to convert Hindus to Christianity, which is seen as a threat to Hindu
culture and tradition.

Lack of resources: Many churches in India are located in rural and impoverished
areas, and they often lack the resources to meet the needs of their congregations. This
includes lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities like clean water
and sanitation. This lack of resources can create a vicious cycle of poverty, as people
living in poverty are less likely to have access to education or healthcare, which in
turn makes it more difficult for them to improve their economic situation.

Lack of trained leaders: Many churches in India are led by untrained pastors who lack
the theological education and skills needed to effectively lead their congregations.
This can lead to poor preaching, lack of guidance, and lack of pastoral care for
congregations, which can result in a lack of growth and development for the Church.

Caste-based discrimination: The caste system in India has resulted in discrimination

and marginalization of certain communities, including Dalit and tribal communities,
which affects the Church in India as well. Caste-based discrimination refers to the
practice of treating people differently based on their social status, determined by birth.
This practice is deeply ingrained in the Indian society, and it affects people from
lower castes in all aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and
healthcare. The Church in India is not immune to this practice, and many Dalit and
tribal Christians still face discrimination and marginalization within the Church.

Building relationships: Building relationships with other community leaders,

including religious leaders, can help to reduce the level of hostility and discrimination
faced by Christians in India. This can be done by organizing interfaith dialogues,
meeting with local leaders, and participating in community events. By building
relationships with leaders from other communities, Christians can help to create a
more tolerant and inclusive society, and to reduce the level of discrimination and
persecution faced by Christians in India.

Empowering local communities: Providing education, training, and resources to local

communities can help to empower them to address their own needs, and to reduce
their dependence on outside assistance. This can be done by providing education and
vocational training, building wells, toilets, schools, and health centers, and setting up
microfinance schemes. By empowering local communities, Christians can help to
break the cycle of poverty and to create more self-sufficient and resilient
communities.

Developing leaders: Providing theological education and training to pastors and other
church leaders can help to equip them to effectively lead their congregations. This can
be done by organizing theological training programs, seminars, and workshops, and
by providing mentoring and coaching to pastors and other church leaders. By
developing leaders, Christians can help to ensure that the Church in India is well-
equipped to meet the spiritual needs of its congregations.

Addressing caste-based discrimination: Addressing caste-based discrimination

through education, awareness-raising, and advocating for the rights of marginalized
communities can help to reduce the marginalization of certain communities. This can
be done by organizing educational programs, seminars, and workshops, and by
advocating for the rights of marginalized communities at the local, state, and national
levels. By addressing caste-based discrimination, Christians can help to create a more
equal and just society, and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their social status,
has equal opportunities and access to resources. Additionally, Christians can also
work to challenge and change the caste system from within the church. This can be
done by promoting the biblical message of equality, and by actively seeking to
include and empower marginalized communities within the church, such as Dalit and
tribal Christians.

Another way to address the issues facing churches in India is through the use of media
and technology. Many churches in India are located in remote and rural areas, where
access to information and resources is limited. By using social media, websites, and
other digital platforms, churches can connect with people in remote areas, providing
them with access to information, resources, and support. This can also be used to
reach out to the youth who are more tech-savvy.
Another way to address the issues facing churches in India is by working with other
organizations and NGOs. Many churches in India are located in areas that are also
served by other organizations, such as NGOs, charities, and social service
organizations. By working together, these organizations can pool their resources and
expertise, and can achieve more than they would be able to individually. This can be
done by forming partnerships, collaborations, and networks that can help to address
the needs of local communities.
Lastly, one way to address the issues facing churches in India is through advocacy
and lobbying. The Indian government has a significant role in shaping the social,
economic, and political environment of the country. By advocating for policies that
promote social justice, equality, and human rights, churches in India can work to
create a more just and equitable society. This can be done by engaging in advocacy
and lobbying efforts at the local, state, and national levels, and by working with other
organizations and groups that share similar goals.
In conclusion, the issues facing churches in India are diverse and complex. They
include persecution, lack of resources, lack of trained leaders, caste-based
discrimination, and more. To address these issues, churches in India can take a variety
of approaches, such as building relationships, empowering local communities,
developing leaders, addressing caste-based discrimination, using media and
technology, working with other organizations, and advocating for policies that
promote social justice and human rights.

6. Write Notes on ANY TWO of the following topics:

a. Priesthood of all believers and its implications
The concept of the "priesthood of all believers" is a central teaching of Protestant
Christianity that emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers in Jesus Christ. This
doctrine holds that all believers, regardless of their social status or religious
background, have direct access to God through faith in Jesus Christ and are able to
participate in the work of the church.
The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers is rooted in scripture, particularly in
passages such as 1 Peter 2:9, which states, "But you are a chosen people, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises
of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." This passage
emphasizes the idea that all believers are part of a spiritual "royal priesthood" that is
able to offer spiritual sacrifices to God and to declare his praises.
Another key passage that supports the priesthood of all believers is Ephesians 2:19-
22, which states, "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but
fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief
cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy
temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling
in which God lives by his Spirit." This passage emphasizes the idea that all believers
are part of a spiritual "building" that is being built together by God, and that all
believers are able to participate in the work of the church.
The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers has far-reaching implications for the
organization and practices of the church. One of the most significant implications is
that it challenges the idea of a hierarchical, clerical clergy who holds a special status
or authority within the church. Instead, it emphasizes the idea that all believers have
equal access to God and are able to participate in the work of the church. This means
that the church should be organized in a way that allows all believers to participate in
the work of the church, and that all believers should be encouraged and empowered to
use their gifts and talents for the work of the church.
Another implication of the priesthood of all believers is that it challenges the idea that
only certain individuals, such as priests or bishops, are able to administer the
sacraments, such as baptism and communion. Instead, it emphasizes the idea that all
believers are able to participate in the sacraments, and that all believers are able to
administer the sacraments to one another. This means that the sacraments should be
administered in a way that is accessible to all believers, and that all believers should
be encouraged and empowered to participate in the sacraments.
The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers also has implications for the
relationship between the church and society. By emphasizing the spiritual equality of
all believers, it challenges the idea that the church should be a separate institution that
is apart from society. Instead, it emphasizes the idea that the church should be
involved in the work of society, and that all believers should be encouraged and
empowered to use their gifts and talents to serve society. This means that the church
should be involved in social justice and community development work, and that all
believers should be encouraged and empowered to use their gifts and talents to serve
society.
In conclusion, the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers is a central teaching of
Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers in Jesus
Christ. This doctrine holds that all believers, regardless of their social status or
religious background, have direct access to God through faith in Jesus Christ and are
able to participate in the work of the church. The doctrine of the priesthood of all
believers has far-reaching implications for the

b. Apostles, Prophets and Teachers

Apostles, Prophets, and Teachers are all considered to be key roles in Christian
ministry. They are known as the "five-fold ministry" in the Bible, as they are listed in
Ephesians 4:11-12 as gifts given by Jesus Christ to the church for the purpose of
building it up. In this essay, we will examine each of these roles in more detail,
including their biblical origins, their purpose, and their significance in Christian
ministry today.
Apostles are considered to be the foundation of the church. The word "apostle" comes
from the Greek word "apostolos," which means "one sent out." In the Bible, apostles
are individuals who have been personally chosen by Jesus Christ to lead and guide the
church. They are considered to be the first leaders of the church and are thought to
have been with Jesus during his earthly ministry. The Bible states that Jesus chose
twelve apostles, but later in the New Testament, the term is also applied to others who
were sent out by the church to spread the gospel.
The role of an apostle is to establish and strengthen the church. They are believed to
have the authority to perform miracles, signs, and wonders as evidence of their
calling. This is why, they are also considered to have been personally taught by Jesus
and to have received a unique revelation of him. They were also commissioned by
Jesus to proclaim the Good News, to heal the sick, to cast out demons, and to make
new disciples.
Apostles are also considered to be the foundation of the church, in the sense that they
were the first leaders of the church and are believed to have laid the foundation for the
church's teachings and practices. This is why, in the Bible, it is said that "no one can
lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1
Corinthians 3:11)
In the Bible, there are examples of apostles who were involved in many different
activities, such as planting new churches, strengthening existing churches, performing
miracles, and writing letters (epistles) that are now part of the New Testament. The
Bible also mentions that an apostle has to meet certain qualifications, such as being a
witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:22) and being chosen by the Holy
Spirit (Acts 1:2).
Prophets are individuals who have been given a special revelation by God, and are
thought to be able to speak on his behalf. The word "prophet" comes from the Greek
word "prophetes," which means "one who speaks forth." In the Bible, prophets are
individuals who have been chosen by God to reveal His will and His message to His
people. Prophets are considered to be the mouthpiece of God and to have been given
the ability to foretell future events and to provide guidance to the church.
The role of a prophet is to reveal God's will and His message to His people. They are
believed to have the ability to speak on behalf of God and to be able to receive
revelations from Him. Prophets are also considered to be able to foretell future events,
which is why they are often thought of as "seers." They also have the ability to
provide guidance to the church through their messages and teachings.
Prophets in the Bible were also involved in many different activities, such as calling
the people to repentance, predicting future events, and providing guidance to the kings
and leaders of Israel. Prophets also often wrote books that are now part of the Old
Testament.
In the Bible, there are examples of prophets who were involved in many different
activities, such as predicting future events, providing guidance to the kings and
leaders of Israel, and calling the people to repentance. Prophets also often wrote
books that are now part of the Old Testament.
Prophets were considered to be a vital part of the leadership of the Israelite
community, as they were responsible for communicating the word of God to the
people. They were often considered to be the conscience of the community, as they
were responsible for reminding the people of their obligations to God and calling
them to repentance when they strayed from the path.
In the New Testament, the role of the prophet is still considered to be important.
Prophets are considered to have the ability to receive revelations from God, and to
speak on His behalf. They are also considered to have the ability to provide guidance
to the church through their messages and teachings.
Today, many Christian denominations still have prophets as part of their leadership,
who are considered to have been given the gift of prophecy. They are believed to have
the ability to receive revelations from God and to provide guidance to the church.
Lastly, Teachers are considered to be individuals who have been given the gift of
teaching, and are thought to be able to explain and interpret the Word of God in a
clear and understandable way. They are believed to be able to help others understand
and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to their lives.
The role of a teacher is to help others understand and apply the teachings of Jesus
Christ to their lives. They are considered to have the ability to explain and interpret
the Bible in a clear and understandable way. Teachers are also considered to be able
to help others understand and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to their lives.
In the Bible, there are examples of teachers who were involved in many different
activities, such as teaching in synagogues, teaching in the temple, and teaching in the
early church. Teachers also often wrote letters (epistles) that are now part of the New
Testament.
Today, many Christian denominations still have teachers as part of their leadership,
who are considered to have been given the gift of teaching. They are believed to have
the ability to explain and interpret the Bible in a clear and understandable way and to
help others understand and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to their lives.
In conclusion, Apostles, Prophets and Teachers are all considered to be key roles in
Christian ministry. They are known as the "five-fold ministry" in the Bible, as they
are listed in Ephesians 4:11-12 as gifts given by Jesus Christ to the church for the
purpose of building it up. The role of an apostle is to establish and strengthen the
church, prophets reveal God's will and message, and teachers help others understand
and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to their lives. These roles are considered as
spiritual gifts and are believed to be granted by God to those he chooses for the
purpose of building up the church.

c. Prophetic ministry of the church

d. Kingdom of God and church

UNION BIBLICAL
SEMINARY, DISTANCE
LEARNING PROGRAMS,
ENGLISH

Final examination of first semester March 2021

3 hours

Marks: 100

PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

Answer any Five questions. All questions carry equal marks

1. Explain the Biblical principles of Christian Ministry with
relevant scripture references.

2. Define the concept of ‘Church’ from a New Testament

perspective. How do we understand different images of church
and its significance

3. What are the qualifications and functions of a Christian

minister/Christian leader?
4. Analyse the significance of theological education in the
ministry of the Church.

5. What are the gifts of Holy Spirit as we see in the epistles of St

Paul? Why do the members of the Church exercise those gifts?

6. Discuss the issues facing Churches in India today. Suggest

alternative ways to address such issues.

7. Study the importance of objectives, goal setting, vision

casting, and mission in the life and ministry of the church.

8. How can church in India be a transforming agent in the

present situation prevailing in our country?

9. Write Notes on ANY TWO

of the following topics:
a) Priesthood of all believers
and its implications
b) Apostles, Prophets and Teachers
c) Prophetic ministry of the church
d) Kingdom of God and church
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