Modus operandi is a Latin phrase meaning "mode of operating" or "method of working." While joyfully reminiscing about his ministry, Paul reminds those in Colossae about the mystery "which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:24-27). In Colossians 1:28 Paul presents a modus operandi for the Christian ministry. Note its mission, manner, and motive.

First, there is the worldwide mission of the Christian ministry. Colossians 1:28a reads, "Him we preach..." Previously Paul explained, "[Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:15-20). The phrase "every man," that's repeated three times in Colossians 1:28, reveals that preaching Christ is the worldwide mission of the Christian ministry.

Second, there is the wise manner concerning the Christian ministry. Colossians 1:28b reads, "... warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom..." We are to be wise when so many are otherwise. Colossians 1:9-12 reads, "For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." This is part of the wise manner concerning the Christian ministry.

Third, there is the warranted motive for the Christian ministry. Colossians 1:28c reads, "that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." When something is "unwarranted" it is said to be "lacking adequate or official support, unjustified, not having a good reason, not reasonable or necessary, not appropriate." The warranted motive for the Christian ministry is to present people "perfect," meaning "mature or complete," as it is translated from the Greek word, "teleios." Paul concludes, "To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily" (Colossians 1:29). These dark and deceptive days we desperately need a modus operandi for the Christian ministry.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.