God in service

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms that the precedence of the Lord must be the center of every ministry; it is not sufficient to give books and knowledge but the Lord must be brought into every educational and preaching work.

The spiritual presence and prayers

The minister needs a deep prayer before the service, asking the Lord to give him a word and the aid of the Holy Spirit so that the word will be effective and filled with life, not merely information.

The minister as a bearer of God

The minister must be a “God-bearer” as they described Saint Ignatius Theophorus; he transfers God to the hearts of listeners, so his function is not merely transferring information but transferring God’s presence and God’s love.

Method of teaching and its effect

Knowledge must be presented in a way that links the mind with the heart, and links information with spiritual life; a lesson devoid of the Lord’s presence does not produce life in the disciples.

Creation and divine testimony

When teaching topics like creation one must show God’s power and beauty and love and wisdom, and connect the creatures to their Lord to awaken children’s gratitude and wonder before God’s making.

History and Christian narration

When presenting history or the lives of saints one must highlight what God did in their life, for history separated from God loses its educational and spiritual value.

The work of the Spirit in ministry

Every true ministry is one into which God has entered: God works in events and hearts, and the minister is called to be a mediator of this work relying on the Spirit and not on self or knowledge alone.

Conclusion — clear goal

The aim is that the pupils leave every lesson closer to God and more engaged with divine love; therefore the Lord must be present in every lesson and ministry.

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