NOTE:  I formulated this Ministry Philosophy as a result of a project for a ministry class at Harding University back in 1994.  I have recently discovered it almost verbatim on another minister's web site presented as his own work without any footnote, work cited, or other citation.  I place this note here merely to state that the Ministry Philosophy below is my own and I did not plagarize it from from that minister. 

Philosophy of Ministry Spiritual Parenting (I Thess. 1:1 - 2:16) John D. Telgren In I Thessalonians 1:1-2:16, Paul provides a good model for the manner of ministry when he recounts his ministry among the Thessalonians. They turned from idols to live a holy life, and their faith was so secure that it had been "sounded forth" to every place (1:6-10). The imagery for ministry is that of a family. A minister has to be both Fatherly and Motherly. ...........