Ministries or Gifts in the Church for paper

Ministries or Gifts in the Church for paper

In 1 Corinthians Paul lists a number of the gifts or ministries we see in the church. “And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.”  1 Corinthians 12: 28

All of those gifts are given to ensure that the ministry of the church is carried out, the ministry given to it by Christ to ensure the church grew and ministered to the needs of their members and those around them. One thing to notice about these gifts, although Paul calls them all as necessary, he does not describe them as all equal. His list gives a first, second third etc rating. Then he says “But eagerly desire the greater gifts.” 1 Corinthians 12: 31

Although some gifts or ministries are more essential in a church, a body of Christ, their relative importance should not result in jealousy or competitiveness that results in division. “so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other”. 1 Corinthians 12: 25

Rather we should realize that firstly we all receive gifts, “the same God works all of them (the gifts) in all men.” 1 Corinthians 12: 6 and “he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” 1Corinthians 12: 11b

And God, who is all knowing and whose understanding is far beyond ourselves, dispenses the gifts to the church with that same perfect knowledge so each one of us can contribute to the ministry of the church with our gift or gifts. “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”  1 Corinthians 12: 7

I guess what I want you to notice that in all the gifts listed in scripture there is not one described as “pew sitter”. We each receive a gift or gifts so we can all contribute to the ministry of our church, our body of Christ. As was said, we each receive a gift. If your whole role in your congregation is to occupy a pew on the Sundays you attend you are not using your gift for “the common good”, for the advancement of the ministry of your congregation.

Yes, God most certainly knew what he was doing when he gave gifts to the church, designing it to fulfill its ministry. And you are part of that design. However you are described, whatever your role in the Body of Christ you are just as important and necessary as all the other parts of the Body of Christ.

What is important is that you recognize your gift or gifts (and there are many more than the brief list given) and use your gift to minister to those around you. Yes it is OK to desire the higher gifts, but do not place that above the ministry you have been given.

Blessings,