DIY spirituality

There is a commonly held mindset that exists, (within church circles particularly), that 'the minister' is the one that does the christian ministry. 

Just because "the reverend" , or "the vicar,"  leads the service on a Sunday or visits a home, is this really true?

Indulge me with a simple illustration. 

Go with me in your thoughts to IKEA,the Swedish furniture superstore. If you have ever bought one of their flat packs you'll know what I'm getting at. The staff serve you the product, but it's then down to your own do-it-yourself skills to assemble the flat pack.

Read with me Acts 2 verse 42

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." 

Notice that it says "they devoted themselves" to various spiritual disciplines. New Testament christianity was originally a DIY spirituality. 

Paul the Apostle concurs with Dr Luke, the writer of Acts, when he states in Ephesians 4 verse 11,12 that leaders were to "equip the saints for the work of ministry."

Yes, its the saints who do the work of  ministry. "Saints" are ordinary everyday believers. They do "the ministry." Ministries could include everything ranging from hospitality to helps*

In Vineyard churches they say "everyone gets to play."

Let's play our part

Christianity is primarily a DIY spirituality and that's the gospel truth.

*Further reading:

There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Cor. 12:4-5)

 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Pet. 4:10)

 

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:4-6a)