Challenging Doctrinal Claims in the 2×2 Fellowship: Understanding the True Ministry
By Jordan Rudolph
The following phrases have been used many times in the last months by workers and saints in the 2×2 fellowship: “the (2×2) ministry is foundational”, “you cannot have the fellowship without the (2×2) ministry“, “if you deny the (2×2) ministry, you are denying Jesus”, “the (2×2) ministry was established from heaven” and “the doctrine was established by the God of heaven through Jesus to the (2×2) ministry.” These statements are indicating that the 2×2 ministry serves as a gatekeeper between us and God.
The True Ministry: The Ministry of Reconciliation
I recently came upon a passage in 2 Corinthians 5 that clarified why those statements are wrong. Verse 18-20 describe exactly what ministry Jesus established. It also tells us what ministry is important for our salvation and serves as a foundation.
It’s the ministry of reconciliation! As 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NIV) explains, [“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”] This ministry was established through Jesus and is all about restoring our relationship with God. It’s his redemptive work. It’s the good news. The gospel story. We are dead in sin and separated from God and have no hope except through Jesus
Ambassadors of Reconciliation: The Calling of Every Believer to Share the Gospel
As believers we are called to be a part of this ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20): [“We (extends to ALL who are in Christ and are new creations) are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”] Paul is emphasizing that ALL believers have been reconciled to God through Christ and are now entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, meaning WE are to share the message of reconciliation with others. WE as believers are to live as ambassadors of Christ redemptive work in our lives. WE represent Jesus and His message to the world.
While the apostles had a unique and foundational role in the early church, the broader New Testament teaching and the practice of the early Christian community support the view that ALL believers share in the responsibility of spreading the gospel and representing Christ to the world as an ambassador. It isn’t just for a ‘select or chosen’ few to have that responsibility. These verses (*along with others) collectively affirm that all Christians are called to be representatives of Christ and to actively participate in spreading the gospel and living out their faith). *Other supporting verses: Matt 28:18-20; I Peter 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:2; Acts 8 – Philip the deacon; etc.
Supporting Ministries: Their Role in Strengthening Faith and Spreading the Gospel
There are various SUPPORTING ministries such as teaching, evangelizing, shepherding and serving (Eph 4:11-13) Each ministry plays a unique role in the life of a church, and it also reflects the various gifts and callings within the body of Christ. Each of these ministries can help support and nurture and expand our faith; these positions are to “equip the saints” and “build up the body of Christ (Eph 4:12 ESV) …. they are NOT foundational to salvation itself. These positions only help ensure that the message of reconciliation is spread, understood, matured in every believer and lived out in the lives of Christians. Workers of the 2×2 fellowship, who feel they have been called to share the gospel full time and serve people, would fit in this supporting ministry.
Ministry work, positions of power, and roles within the church are often referred to as “the highest calling.” However, the highest calling is actually when we accept Jesus into our hearts and become His disciples—lifelong learners. It is not tied to a specific role or position but to being united with Christ and living out His love in our everyday lives.
Clarifying the True Biblical Ministry: Understanding the Ministry of Reconciliation Versus the (2×2) Ministry
Let’s revisit those statements I’ve wrestled with. If we consider “the ministry” to refer to a specific group of called men and women in the 2×2 fellowship, then understanding the biblical definition of “the ministry” can help clarify why certain statements are doctrinally incorrect.
-What ministry is foundational?
The ministry of reconciliation is foundational! (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
-Can I have fellowship without the (2×2) ministry?
Yes! Fellowship with God is based on a relationship with Him. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5, 7). We have fellowship because of the ministry of reconciliation!
-Is this statement true? “If you deny the (2×2) ministry, you are denying Jesus.”
No! You are only denying Jesus if you deny the ministry of reconciliation, which is the core message Jesus brought—restoring our relationship with God (Romans 5:10-11). This is the good news of the gospel!
-Was “the (2×2) ministry established from heaven”?
No! The ministry of reconciliation, however, was established in heaven through Jesus and was part of God’s eternal plan from the beginning. This plan was foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament (1 Peter 1:18-20; Hebrews 10:1-4).
-Was “the doctrine established by the God of heaven through Jesus for the (2×2) ministry?”
No! To understand this, we must distinguish between Jesus’s ministry before and after the crucifixion.
From the Apostolic Mission to the Great Commission: The Shift to a Global Gospel and Direct Access to God
Before the crucifixion, Jesus sent the twelve apostles on a short-term mission specifically to the Jews. They were instructed to travel lightly, proclaim “the Kingdom of Heaven is near,” and heal the sick and cast out demons (Matthew 10:5-8). Jesus also sent 70 disciples in pairs to towns He planned to visit, with similar instructions (Luke 10:1-9). They (the apostles) had a very specific purpose that the 2×2 ministry doesn’t have today. They were witnesses of Jesus and were to affirm that his life and work fulfilled the prophecies (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 1:8)
After the resurrection, Jesus gave the Great Commission primarily to the eleven remaining apostles, instructing them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands (Matthew 28:16-20). This commission signified a shift to a global mission that included both Jews and Gentiles. Peter’s vision in Acts 10 and Paul’s missionary journeys underscored this expansion to the Gentiles.
The message now centered on “Christ crucified” and His resurrection. The tearing of the temple veil symbolized direct access to God for all believers, emphasizing diverse spiritual gifts unified in serving Jesus (Luke 23:45, 1 Corinthians 12:5). Salvation was proclaimed as available to everyone who calls on Jesus, with Him as the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). No man or priesthood was needed to give us access to God.
To answer the previous question: “Was the doctrine established by the God of heaven through Jesus specifically to the (2×2) ministry?” No, it was not. The doctrine of Jesus was established by the God of heaven through Jesus Christ and was intended for all people of all nations, not just for a specific group or ministry. Anyone who calls on Him and believes will be saved. As Paul urges in 2 Corinthians 5, we are called to be reconciled to God through Christ. Once reconciled, we become ambassadors for Christ. This message remains unchanged.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ministry of Reconciliation as Our Shared Calling
In conclusion, the ministry that Jesus established and is foundational is all about reconciliation and restoring our relationship with God through Jesus. We are ALL called to this ministry and to share it with others. (2 Cor 5:20).
What a beautiful gift we have been given. I’m thankful to be able to share it with others.
Jordan Rudolph
Raleigh, North Carolina USA
August 24, 2024