The Church of God is governed by God through Jesus Christ, who selects those who will serve in ministry roles such as apostles and pastors. To be ordained for ministry, one must first have served as a lay member of the church in order to spiritually mature and avoid pride. The church ordains only baptized, mature members called by God into ministry after a period of training, as Jesus first instructed his disciples for several years before making them ministers. While ministry is an important role, everyone can serve the church in various ways through an attitude of service.