ARE YOU CALLED INTO FULL TIME CHRISTIAN SERVICE?

VLN recognizes Four Tiers of Christian Service

Non-Credentialed: (1) Believers Ministry and (2) Lay Ministry

Credentialed: (3) Licensing and (4) Ordination

Here's an explanation of the Four Tiers

1. Believer’s Ministry

Definition: This type of ministry applies to every Christian. Every believer is expected to attend Church faithfully, worship God, love others, and minister in their given sphere of influence through acts of service, evangelism, discipleship, etc.

Biblical Basis:

Matt 28.19 “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” 

1 Pet 4:10  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Heb 10:24-25  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” 

Ephesians 4:12-13 “He handed out the gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the Church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.”

EXPECTATIONS

1. Faithful Church Attendance

•Believers are to commit to regular participation in a local Church for worship, fellowship, learning, and accountability.

2. Worship God

•Believers are called to worship God in spirit and truth, both individually and corporately.

3. Love Others

•Christians are to demonstrate Christ’s love by building relationships, showing kindness, and meeting the needs of others.

•Practical Application: Actively seek opportunities to serve and care for family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

4. Minister in Your Sphere of Influence

a. Acts of Service - Serve others selflessly as Christ served us.

b. Evangelism - Share the Gospel message, pointing others to salvation in Christ.

c. Discipleship - Help others grow in their faith through teaching, mentoring, and encouragement.

5. Stewardship

•Manage God’s gifts—time, talents, finances, resources—faithfully and for His glory.

•Practical Application: Give generously to the Church and those in need. Use your skills and talents to serve the body of Christ.

The ministry of every Believer is a lifelong journey of faith, service, and growth. It is not limited to formal roles within the Church but encompasses all aspects of life.

2. Lay Ministers

•Definition: Lay ministers are non-ordained Church members who serve in ministry roles at Victory and other ministries, often on a voluntary or part-time basis, without formal licensing or ordination needed.

EXPECTATIONS

•Service: Actively serve in specific ministry areas such as teaching, leading worship, evangelism, or outreach.

•Supportive Role: Assist Staff ministers and Church leaders in fulfilling the mission of the Church.

•Faith and Integrity: Live a Godly life, demonstrating strong Christian character and commitment.

•Training: Victory Growth Track is required for all volunteers and lay ministers. Additionally, Men’s & Women’s Discipleship, RESTORE Class, Dream Team involvement, and participation in Victory Groups are highly recommended.

•Evangelism: Share the Gospel in their daily lives and within their community.

3. Licensed Ministers

•Definition: Licensed ministers are individuals recognized by Victory as having a Calling to ministry and are given limited authority to perform certain ministerial functions.

EXPECTATIONS

•Preaching and Teaching: Deliver sermons and/or teach Bible studies under the authority of the Church leadership.

•Sacraments: Perform some sacraments or ordinances (e.g., baptism, communion).

•Pastoral Care: Provide spiritual support, counseling, and guidance to Church members.

•Accountability: Work under the oversight of Victory ordained leadership.

•Training/Education: Pursue theological education, ministry training, Victory College, or approved Bible School.

•Temporary Authority: Serve with a renewable license, allowing them to minister within specific contexts or timeframes.

4. Ordained Ministers

•Definition: Ordained ministers are formally consecrated through an ordination process, granting them full authority and responsibility within a ministry or Church.

Five-fold Ministers: Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist (Ephesians 4:12) 

•Full time for a Lifetime.

EXPECTATIONS

•Leadership: Provide overall spiritual and administrative leadership for a Church, ministry, or organization.

•Sacraments: Fully authorized to perform all sacraments, including marriage ceremonies, baptism, communion, and funerals.

•Preaching and Teaching: Regularly preach, teach, and provide sound doctrinal instruction.

•Pastoral Care: Offer deep spiritual guidance, counseling, and mentoring to individuals and families.

•Oversight: Lead and supervise other ministers, staff, and lay leaders within the Church.

•Theological Knowledge: Demonstrate a deep understanding of Scripture and theology through education (e.g., seminary or Bible School training) and proven ministry experience.

•Commitment: A lifelong commitment to ministry, "full time for a lifetime".

•Accountability: Answer to Victory / VLN leadership or a governing board while maintaining integrity in personal and professional life.

•Visionary Role: Cast vision, develop strategies, and lead the Church in fulfilling its mission.