Foundational Stones & Cornerstones

Foundational Stones

Each of us is called to the ministry of reconciliation. Having been called by the Lord Jesus, its important to know where we fit in the Body of Christ, and how we should use our gifts to positively impact the Kingdom of God. Consider the following thoughts on foundational stones as you discover and move into your God given gifts.

Ephesians 2:19-21

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Christ is the chief cornerstone of His church. Likewise, the foundation of any local church or Christian ministry has to be laid in Jesus Christ. In similar fashion, the pastor of the local church must have foundational stones from which to build the ministry. The ministry foundation that the early church apostles and prophets laid and current church apostles and prophets continue to lay provides a framework for building fitly framed together temples unto the Lord, i.e. the local church. Foundational stones reflect the mission of the local church and should represent the vision of the local church, and should communicate the unique assignment of the set man or set woman.

Proper foundations must be in place before a ministry expects to prosper and grow consistently. Foundations grow over time as the senior leader grows personally. God will add to the ministry vision over time, and new programs may become foundational to the ministry. Potential foundational stones can be identified by noting the leader’s key strengths. Once these key strengths are imparted into the ministry and ministry workers, that particular foundational stone is laid. No two ministries will have the exact same foundational stones. The leading of the Holy Spirit and prophetic confirmation are usually required to identify a pastor’s foundational stones. “Instinct” and prior experience alone should not be trusted in the consultation of a leader concerning foundational stones.

Questions to aid in determining the foundational stones for your ministry calling:

What is your gift mix?

How do you know you are called to five-fold ministry?

What are your passions where ministry is concerned?

What problem were you created as a minister to solve?

What are your personal habits where ministry are concerned?

What has God revealed to you about your future in life & ministry, even where there is no evidence today?

God Bless You!

Ken Toney