Insights on Ministry: Irenaeus

'Ministry' reflects the New Testament understanding of diakonia as the service disciples render for the upbuilding of the church. It is thus a broad concept which includes but is not limited to the services properly rendered by the ordained. The church itself is the faith community that offers access to the salvation brought by Jesus. This being so, theological insight into the nature of ministry is controlled by the view one has of soteriology. Soteriology in turn shapes and is shaped by anthropology. How one views the nature of those to be saved affects how one thinks of the saviour and the saving act.