The early church, that is, the church in the Apostolic Era and the first four centuries of Christianity, was very strict concerning keeping the fear of God and holding to holiness by the faithful and the church, and concerning keeping the divine commandments. Therefore it was distinguished for the severe punishments inflicted on the sinners of those times to lead them to God's fear

1. Fear of God leads to repentance and compliance with God's Commandments. It prevents us from sinning, but if we sin, we will be terrified of the results of sin and of God's punishment. So, fear of God leads us to repentance and to return to God. 2. Fear of God is the beginning of the way and a shield of the spiritual life protecting from stumbling or deviating.

A spiritual minister is a very attracting magnet. Whoever comes within his sphere will be attracted to the life of the spirit, and will also have power to attract others to the same spiritual sphere. He attracts people to God their Father and the church their mother with all the emotions of kindness, love and care which she bears. So they hold to God who loves them and are nourished with the teachings of the church. A spiritual minister has the living and powerful word of God (Heb 4: 12). It is the word that influences the listeners and never returns void (Isa). He shines upon the others with light, and whoever comes into contact with him will be enlightened and will receive something divine. He is a blessing overflowing over everybody, not only within the church, but also at home, in the workplace,

A question often occurs to my mind and heart: Are we truly ministers? It is easy for one to think of oneself more highly than one ought to think (Rom 12: 3), but ministry in its spiritual depths has high measures which probably we have not yet attained. Perhaps we have started as spiritual ministers, but could not keep this spirituality along the way! Let us discuss then, who may be called "a minister"?