The greatest need in evangelical churches is the release of members for ministry. A Gallup survey discovered that only 10% of American church members are active in any kind of personal ministry and that 50% of all church members have no interest in serving in any ministry. Think about that! No matter how much a church promotes involvement in ministry, half of its members will remain spectators. These are people who say, “I just don’t feel led to get involved.” (Actually, it’s another kind of ‘lead’ – in the seat of their pants!) The encouraging news that Gallup uncovered is this: 40% of all members have expressed an interest in having a ministry, but they have never been asked or they don’t know how. That is the part of my job. To help you find a ministry and assist you in effective service. Our church will never be any stronger than its core of lay ministers who carry out the various ministries of the church.
So, here are some key Biblical principles about ministry:
1. Ever believer is a minister. Every believer isn’t a pastor, but every believer is called into ministry. God calls all believers to minister to the world and to the church. Service in the church body isn’t optional for Christians. In God’s army, there are no volunteers – He’s drafted all of us into service.
2. Every ministry is important. There are no ‘little people’ in the body of Christ, and there are no ‘insignificant’ ministries. Some ministries are visible and some are behind the scenes, but all are equally valuable. Small ministries often make the greatest difference. The most important light in the house is not the large chandelier in the dining room but the little nightlight that keeps you from stubbing your toe when you get up in the middle of the night. It’s small, but it’s more useful than the ‘show-off’ lights.
3. We are dependent on each others. not only is every ministry important, every ministry is also intertwined with all others. No ministry is independent of the others. Since no single ministry can accomplish all the church is called to do, we must depend on and cooperate with each other. Like a jigsaw puzzle, each piece is required to complete the picture. You always notice the missing piece first. when one part of your body malfunctions, the other parts don’t work as well. One of the missing components in many church is the understanding of interdependence. We must work together.
4. Ministry is the expression of my uniqueness. You are unique, wonderfully complex, a composite of many different factors. What made you to be determines what He intends for you to do. Your ministry is determined by your makeup.
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