When the church gathering is not dependent on a robust spiritual life operating in all its members
Like many others, I encourage “every member ministry.” Of course, this looks different to different people, and it should look different in different contexts. But, there are similarities, such as the opportunity for everyone to talk part (speaking and serving) when the church gathers together.
Josh at “Called to Rebuild” is talking about this in his latest post “Are our gatherings truly an expression of the church which is His Body?”
I think that Josh expresses this view of “every member ministry” very well, and better than I have in the past. For example, at one point he says:
Most of the gatherings you’ll ever walk into would be entirely unaffected should you continue to show up week after week and never participate in the meetings or community life. Ironically, though it is designed for you (and for the other people present) the show would go on with or without you just the same. It is not dependent on a robust spiritual life operating in all its members resulting in a healthy, moment-by-moment functioning of the Body as a whole. Rather, it is carried on mostly by a select number of staff members aided by the volunteer labor of a few eager laymen.
Think about it… if “the show would go on” exactly the same whether you were there or not, then are you truly part of that church gathering? Not really. You’re more like a person watching a movie at the theater than someone taking part in the gathering of the church.
But, what a difference it makes when every follower of Jesus Christ is given the opportunity to let the life of Christ flow through them and into the others gathered together!
This is why I prefer smaller churches, where there is a greater need for everyone to contribute.
If the show would go on exactly the same whether you were there or not, then are you truly part of that church gathering?
What a great way of thinking about every member ministry! But… it could be that I take no active part in a certain church gathering but I still have an impact because of conversations I have with people, or because I pray with someone after the meeting has officially finished. Perhaps that’s not ideal (not full participation) but it’s not a bad start, wouldn’t you say?
“A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Jer 5:30-31
Mark,
Yes, I think the need is more apparent in smaller groups. Of course, it’s also easier for one or two people to attempt to do everything (and to appear to do everything successfully) for a smaller group.
Kevin,
If you are edifying people one-on-one, then it sounds like the “meeting” is not over, but is just beginning.
Art,
Yeah, that’s a very interesting passage, isn’t it?
-Alan
To a larger degree than we’d like to admit, what we have is what we want to have.
Art,
That’s true. What I have and what I want is not always what God wants to give me. But, it’s hard to ask God to give me what he wants instead of what I want…
-Alan