What does ministry look like from an Incarnational Trinitarian foundation?
We begin with the “Who?” question. Whose ministry is it? It is the ministry of Jesus, the second member of the Godhead who emptied himself and became incarnate for the salvation of mankind. Through his earthly ministry, Jesus revealed Father God, and he prepared the way for the Holy Spirit to come. (Much more can be said about the incarnation of Jesus and the makeup of the triune Godhead, but for the sake of staying on point with the topic of ministry ethos, we move forward.)
The scriptures inform us that Jesus is Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Head of the Church, Lord of Lords and King of the eternal kingdom.
We then are his created children, new creations in him, believers who are growing in his grace and knowledge, members of his body, junior ministry partners participating in his ministry, worshippers. Our lives, identities, and purposes are found in him. Therefore, we abide in him, rest in him, submit our hearts, minds, and souls to him. We rely on the one who first came to us.
Christian ministry at its core is the vicarious salvific work of Jesus to fallen humanity. It is only by union with him and empowerment from the Holy Spirit that we can join and participate. Ministry is not something we do “for” Jesus, rather true ministry is only something we can do “with and through” Jesus.
We often talk about Jesus being the center. Superintendent Mike Rasmussen wrote the following in February 2026 Equipper, and it is worthy of another look:
We do not make Christ central; we awaken to the reality that our lives are already held together in him.
Our lives are not random, nor are our days empty of meaning. We confess that Jesus is the center of the center. So, we joyfully proclaim that all things find their origin, purpose, and destiny in him. From the first breath of creation to the final word of redemption, Christ stands at the center. He calls us into lives shaped by his purpose and motivated by his love.
Jesus does not simply offer ideas to believe, but a way to live. He says, “Follow me,” and invites us into a life where every moment matters. God gathers all our work, rest, joy, sorrow, faithfulness, and struggle into his redemptive story.
He meets us in the ordinary rhythms of daily life and leads us toward the fullness God intends. In Christ, our lives are no longer fragmented or aimless. Our work becomes an offering of service. Our relationships become places of grace. Our suffering is not wasted but held within the promise of resurrection.
The ethos of Incarnational Trinitarian ministry is founded and grounded in the belief that the triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) invites humanity into their shared life and love. Through the incarnation of Jesus, the personal, intimate love of God was demonstrated. (For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.)
Incarnational Trinitarian ministry is the ministry of Jesus. GCI’s mission statement of “Living and Sharing the Gospel” fits so well. It highlights demonstrating the gospel through humble, loving, personal engagement. It prioritizes kindness and service over distant proclamation or harsh judgment. Gospel demonstration and proclamation is how we witness to a fallen world, but proclamation is best received when demonstration happens through loving relationships.
Joining Jesus in his ministry means that we are living testimonies and proclaimers to the vicarious work of Jesus done on behalf of humanity. Jesus is our center; he is the representative for all humanity. Ultimately, Jesus is our ethos for ministry. All the values that are good, his perfect character, and all the guidance that is needed for participation are found in him.
May we lay down our pride, ambition, and self-centeredness to the One who is the true center. When we do, we shall find his yoke to be light.
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