It seems that most of the ministry happening in our (big "C") Church, is done through paid ministry staff, or lone ranger individuals.
This should not be. We are the body of Christ, every one of us is an IMPORTANT part of the body which the other parts NEED for proper functioning. We all have greater responsibility than just sitting in a pew, inviting a friend, and giving money.
1 Cor 12:7, 14-18 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good ... the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."
See also Romans 12, and Eph 4.
What is your part in the body? And how can you work with the other parts around you to advance the Kingdom? Let's get crackin'!
Jesse,
I greatly concur. I have been in both the paid postion and the lone ranger position, and neither are as much fun as when I have a team of people that are passionatly invested in accomplishing the great commision. I love the times (though they may be few & far between) when the Spirit leads and we all follow. Thanks for the encouraging words.
Chad
Comment by Chad Pardue - Nov 17, 2008 @ 12:19 PM
This post offers great conviction! We are called, as believers, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Yet, far too often, we resign ourselves to watching the ‘professionals’ do ministry.
I believe that Christ is calling EACH of us to minister to others by presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, by becoming an extension of the love of Jesus. Vs. 18 is powerful! God has created each of us in His image, and has fashioned us in His likeness, as such we should use our ministerial talents with confidence!
Thanks, that was awesome. :)
Comment by Steph - Nov 18, 2008 @ 05:33 PM
I am a WALKING AMP. I help put catalyst leaders on blast!!! I help amplify their vision; their cause; their tribe. I help spread the word. I promote God’s agenda. I am a Social Media Marketing Maverick with a voice, a Moleskine, and Twitter… and by-golly I’m gonna use it!!!
Comment by Antwon Davis - Nov 23, 2008 @ 05:07 AM