Perspective builder

Posted: Thursday, February 19, 2009 by Paul Gaspar in Labels: , ,
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According to Eph 4:12, the spiritual leaders in the church are supposed to equip the members to do the work of the ministry. In most churches, the members pay the leaders to do the work of the ministry; and the leaders cannot do it all. Consequently, the work begins to weaken and die, and everybody blames the preacher.
(from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.) Reference to 1 Thessalonians 5:14-16

I wonder how many people think this way? Do most people think its the paid workers job, I shouldn't have to do this?

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2 comments:

  1. Greetings Paul...

    Just couldn't resist this one! Not only do I think most people think this way, I think vocational ministers/missionaries in North America like it that way. Why? It's a chance to try to be a super hero. But one only need to look at how this is hurting the church (see Ex 18) because, as Eph 4:11-16 shows... not every part is doing the work.

    Non-paid folks enjoy paying a person to do all the work... let's them off the hook... and they get to complain about what's not being done.

    My question to you and any other person reading this blog is... HOW CAN WE MOVE TOWARD AN EPHESIANS 4:11-12 APPROACH TO LIFE AND MINISTRY? WHAT IS OUR NEXT STEP?

    Great blog you have Paul...

  1. I think a good place to start is getting the word out. Discussions with close friends. I also think if you are in ministry and you are interviewing at a church this would be something you should communicate and talk about with them. Be upfront and transparent that this is what you believe God wants in your Ministry and see if they feel the same. Also it can be communicated through Bible Studies, Sermons, Seminars, etc. All in all I'm not sure what is the best way to move towards this but I think those are some good starting place.

    Thanks for the comment and encouragement Bill!