Compelling Questions that Demand Answers

Jeremy Amick raises some compelling questions in his post, Whose Job Is It Anyway?  Whether we are staff or volunteer, paid or unpaid, how we answer these questions influences how we view serving. I challenge each of us to read this with an open mind and consider our own attitudes and beliefs about our role in the Body of Christ…

What if God intended for every believer to be a minister? I wonder how many pastors believe their job is to be “the minister.” If there is a death in the church, someone should call “the minister.” Pastors are ordained into “the ministry.” I have a piece of paper on my wall that says I am an ordained “minister.” I am not downplaying the seriousness of the call God has placed on my life. Yet, I am wondering: Should every believer have a recognized document? Is there a believer who does not have a calling from God?

What if God never intended for there to be two classifications: clergy and laity? The greater the divide between paid staff and those in the pews, the potential for life-changing ministry decreases exponentially.

What if (some) pastors are robbing the members of the opportunity to serve by doing the ministry for the congregation? There would be grave consequences if a congregation expected the paid clergy to single-handedly “do the work of ministry.” Few people would share the Gospel, believers would busy their lives with other activities, and many would become disengaged from the assembly of believers.

It makes me wonder, do Christians have to possess an official title to tell people about Christ, serve, make disciples, or assist people in need?

(*Be sure to join Jeremy at the Equipping Institute later this month! Get biblical answers to these questions, and hear from leaders who are creating an equipping culture–one that believes every member is a minister!)