Even though Jesus Christ appointed apostles, pastors and such to bear testimony of his name and lead the church (both local churches and The Church - Christians worldwide), he entrusted the ministry of the church to ALL its members. And what I mean by ministry is the demonstration of God’s love and forgiveness to the world. The Great Commission; people being baptized and discipled, is in the hands of the church. Every believer is part of this administration of God’s message to the lost world. We are all ministering priests, actively serving with the gifts bestowed by the sovereign Spirit of God. Every one receives a gift(s) from God for the building up of the church (1 Peter 4:10).
The church is a living organism. As people are added to the assembly, they mature, reproduce, and care for each other by hurting with those who hurt and rejoicing with those who have victories. A church will grow in this envirnoment; as it does, there arises a need for the organism to provide the expanding community with capable leadership. If capable leadership is not chosen, the community will get off track; wandering down strange paths of teaching or becoming disorganized to the point of confusion and ineffectiveness.
In very practical terms, the church chooses a few members who show gifting and dedication for the leading of the organization to be set apart (Ordained) as its Ministers; all the while holding to the principle focus of every member of the organism a minister. These Ministers are gifted by the Lord Jesus for the quipping and organizing of the church. Ephesians 4:11-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-16 talk in great length about these roles or offices given to the church. The Apostle Paul says at the opening of his letter to the church in Galatia, “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father…” Paul clearly had an understanding of a special calling by God or an ordination (setting apart for service) on his life to serve the church. Throughout the New Testament, we hear of people being set apart for service or special mission on behalf of the Lord and His Church for ministry. (Acts. 13:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:14)
However, don't forget: the ministry of the church is entrusted to the people as a whole. Like it says in Revelation 1:4-6:
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Jesus freed you from your bondage to sinful living so that you could live for him as a priest serving God. A priest's function is to assist people in connecting with God, hearing confessions, and praying for the sick – all a witness of Christ’s love. Each of these activities and many more are entrusted to us (you) as the church. In summary, here are some questions to think about before Sunday:
1. Do I have an understanding of my role as a priest in the church? Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelations 1:-4-6; Hebrews 10:18-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-7
2. Do I have an understanding of my role under the ordained leader(s) of the church? Scriptures: Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:1-4; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5
3. Am I acting/functioning like a priest in the church?
4. Am I called to serve the church as a person set apart for a specific purpose?
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