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Word and Sacrament Ministry
This form of service finds its proper expression in relation to the ministry by all the baptized in their daily lives. This ministry involves the preaching and teaching of the Word of God and stewardship of a congregation’s sacramental ministry at worship and in pastoral care. Pastors perform a twofold service in the life of the church: 1) to preach and teach the Word of God and administer the sacraments, so that the baptized are set free from all bondage that prevents them from being the persons God created them to be and 2) to preach and teach the Word of God and administer the sacraments, so that the baptized are set free for serving the neighbors God gives them as ministers in their daily lives.
Word and Service Ministry
This form of diakonia finds its proper expression in relation to the ministry by all the baptized in their daily lives. This ministry involves the proclamation and teaching of the Word of God and service to the neighbor in particular areas of specialization. Deacons/diaconal ministers perform a twofold service in the life of the church: 1) to offer their own gifts in service to neighbors in their particular areas of specialization and 2) to serve as a catalyst in the life of the church, in order that all the baptized are equipped and empowered for their own ministries of word and service.
Worship as Formation for Life
The liturgy is not only “the work of the people” in service to God but even more the means of grace by which God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit is forming and equipping the worshiper for ministry in daily life. Each element of the worship service functions as formation in life practices that are lived out in service to the neighbor when the gathered church becomes the scattered church in the sending at the culmination of the liturgy.
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