Concept of Ministry

The Reformation stressed the importance of individual accountability before God. This concept of accountability was described as "the priesthood of the believer." Christ's death enabled each person to be responsible for approaching God for his own salvation. The Christian was encouraged to commune with God personally, and in fact, was expected to do so through prayer and study. However, the concept of the clergy as the only appropriate ministers to the body continued to be emphasized. The following four and one-half centuries saw a continued distinction between the role of clergy and laity. The ministers were to minister, while the congregation was to congregate. Nothing can be further from God's intention.

The end of our century has brought a renewed emphasis on the priesthood of the believer. Each person not only can have direct access to God, but is called by God to be a servant-minister. The church performs optimally only when its members understand their role of serving one another in love. Some people may have professional training in this area, but the goal is to equip all believers to do the unique work to which God has called them.

From its inception, our church has attempted to live out an every-person-is-a-minister philosophy. The concept is not lived out when priorities are upended or resources such as time and energy are squandered. Fulfillment of God's agenda can only occur when believers are taught and accept responsibility for the priesthood concept.

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Page last modified Thursday 23 September, 2004 22:11 .