The Ministerial Practice and Functions section of the Manual provides supporting resources, research material, and reference content for Christian ministry. It is designed to supplement teaching and practice by offering data, definitions, tools, and research that inform sound decision making and thoughtful study. This section functions as a reference library rather than a formational guide.
Ministry practice requires more than conviction alone. Faithful service also depends on accurate information, clear terminology, and awareness of current challenges facing the Church. This section exists to support ministers, leaders, and students as they evaluate ministry contexts, plan responsibly, and respond wisely to practical concerns within their calling.
Use this section as a reference library to support informed and thoughtful ministry.
Psalm 103:12 says, “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” We can read those words so quickly that we miss the picture they give us. We understand that east and west are opposite directions. But …
There was a time when I found it strangely satisfying to identify what was wrong with other people’s ministries. I hate to admit it, but I was guilty. I am sure most ministers know others ministers that seem shallow. Others who appear theatrical, self-promoting, or simply …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder 2 Steps to Unfriending Worry Most people do not need anyone to explain what worry feels like. You already know. Something happens that you cannot control, and your mind immediately begins rehearsing possibilities. What if this happens? What if that …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder Be On the Lookout for this Creature… A minister needs to keep an ever-watchful ere for this varmint known as the “either/or.” Sometimes he is called the either/or fallacy –also referenced as a false dilemma. He is a pest because …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder In Exodus 17:6 God instructed Moses to “strike” a rock for the provision of water. At another time when Israel needed water again (Number’s 20:8) God told Moses to “speak” to a rock for water. However, in a moment of …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder When researching a subject, it is generally good practice to begin with the background knowledge that already exists. In almost every case, there is already a wealth of information and theories that have contributed to the present understanding of the …
The role of a teacher in the church is to provide instruction and guidance to individuals or groups of people on various aspects of the Christian faith. The goal of a church teacher is to help others develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder Biblical Meditation In Ministry Biblical meditation is a vital discipline in meditation in ministry. The mere mention of the word meditation strikes all sorts of pictures and meanings in the minds of people. Probably, the more common are that of …
How to start a bible study is one question that many people have asked when they want to get a new religious group going. People tend to wonder how it is possible for someone to get a group started and whether they can do it on …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder A systematic approach to asking questions of understanding is a disciplined theological framework for structured Christian inquiry, doctrinal clarity, and biblical reasoning. This article explains how to apply this approach to asking questions, aimed at strengthening theology, critical thinking, and …