Article By: H. Garry Yeatts
BMI Director; MCC Chairman
Cornerstone Conference IPHC
The mission statement that guides the Cornerstone Conference Biblical Ministries Institute is “Equipping for Excellence in Ministry.” The mission is to provide the foundation every minister needs to build upon to become biblically literate, professionally competent, and institutionally aware. When an individual completes the course of study through our school of ministry, they have followed a curriculum taught by qualified instructors to enable them to build a solid ministry to any congregation. Bear in mind the BMI makes no claim to build an excellent minister, but to equip the individual to become a “…good minister of Jesus Christ…” (1 Timothy 4:6). The degree of excellence [quality] by which the person ministers is subject to time, experience, and how well he/she builds upon the original foundation. Becoming a “good minister” is both a spiritual and a practical matter.
From a spiritual perspective, the Person of Jesus Christ is the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). From a practical standpoint, how one cares for and builds upon the foundation has to do with formation. You choose to build upon the foundation, which is necessary to reach your full potential. But notice Paul instructs us to “…take heed…” how, and with what materials we build upon the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:10). Why is this so important? Because according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:12-14, how we build upon the foundation, and what we use as materials, will be tested. Obviously, Paul is referring to the judgement seat of Christ for believers at the end of time; however, I submit the foundations of ministry are already being tested by the pressures of the world. I’m not a contractor who builds buildings, but I do know the importance of the foundation and superstructure as it relates to ministry. In the realm of construction, it’s possible for a structure to suffer cracks in the foundation due to time and pressure due to settling ground or other factors.
The pressures brought to bear upon the minister are constant and compounding today. If ever there was a need to take heed to one’s foundation it is now. The Psalmist asks the question, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). Wouldn’t it be better to maintain them rather than act in a panic to repair them?
I invite you to attend or audit a BMI class to firm up your foundation. Join us as we equip for excellence in ministry. You’ll be glad you did as you join other builders protecting your superstructure and building on a solid foundation.
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