Each One
1 Cor 12:27-28
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
(from New International Version)
So, it should come as no surprise that God expects EACH ONE of us to be a part of His work.
He has prepared, equipped, and called each one of us to the unique ministry that grows His kingdom in our circle of friends and neighbors. He grows each one of us in faith so that we can withstand whatever hardships we might be called to endure. He provides each one of us with His church to strengthen and comfort us in the Word and Sacraments.
Then why are only a small percentage of members involved in ministry (service) to their neighbors? Why are so many leaders in the church trying to do too much, just so everything will get done? Why are so many pastors stressed and burned out by the demands of their congregations?
It is because each one is not involved in ministry to their neighbors in church and in the community. They are living incomplete and unsatisfying lives, delegating their spiritual work to others. And we pastors, leaders, and church workers are allowing them to do so.
Until we embrace the diversity of God's people and their each one of their callings, until we recognize the unique gifts brought to our congregations by each one in attendance, until we refuse to do work we are not called to do, and until we love one another enough to connect each one of our members with opportunities to live out their calling instead of trying to fill the boxes in our organizational charts, we will not achieve the fully-realized community of believers God has prepared for us.
May we repent of our arrogance and rejoice in the diversity of gifts showered on us in and through God's children, gathered by the Holy Spirit, in our congregations for His purposes. May we strive for "full employment" in His church - for each one.
Soli Deo Gloria!