Active Participation: The Church as a Team
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we reflected on the importance of active participation in the church, drawing a parallel between the spectators at a sports event and the congregation in a church. Just as fans need exercise and players need rest, the church needs every member to be actively involved, not just a select few. This concept is rooted in the New Testament doctrine of the church as the body of Christ, where every member has a role and responsibility.
We began with a prayer of gratitude and intercession, lifting up various individuals and our nation, asking for God's provision, healing, and guidance. We then delved into the scripture from Mark 6:7-13, where Jesus delegates authority to His disciples, marking a significant shift from being mere observers to active participants in His ministry. This delegation underscores that Christian ministry is a team effort, not a spectator sport.
The sermon emphasized that the church was never meant to be a one-man show. The role of the pastor is to equip the saints for ministry, not to do all the work themselves. This is supported by Paul's teachings in Ephesians, where he outlines that God gave different roles within the church to prepare God's people for works of service. We discussed the pitfalls of professionalizing ministry and the dangers of a Messiah complex among leaders.
We also explored the practical benefits of team ministry, such as spreading the load, mutual support, and accountability. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the strength found in unity and teamwork. Jesus modeled this by sending His disciples out in pairs, and the early church continued this practice, showing that unity and collective effort lead to greater effectiveness and divine empowerment.
In conclusion, we are called to be a missional church, actively using our unique gifts and talents to fulfill the Great Commission. This involves going out into the world, sharing the gospel, and serving others in various capacities. Our follow-up team exemplifies this by engaging in outreach activities like praying for people at gallery nights and skate parks. Each of us is encouraged to find our place in this mission, working together as a team to spread the love and message of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Active Participation in the Church: The church is not a place for spectators but a body where every member has a role and responsibility. This is rooted in the New Testament doctrine that emphasizes the church as the body of Christ, where each part is essential for healthy growth and function. [07:01]
2. Delegation and Empowerment: Jesus' delegation of authority to His disciples in Mark 6:7-13 marks a significant shift from observation to active participation. This principle continues today, where every believer is called to be an active participant in ministry, not just a passive observer. [30:36]
3. The Role of the Pastor: The pastor's job is to equip the saints for ministry, not to do all the work themselves. This is supported by Paul's teachings in Ephesians, where different roles within the church are meant to prepare God's people for works of service, leading to a more effective and unified body of Christ. [34:15]
4. Benefits of Team Ministry: Team ministry spreads the load, provides mutual support, and facilitates accountability. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the strength found in unity and teamwork, showing that collective effort leads to greater effectiveness and divine empowerment. [42:37]
5. Missional Church: We are called to be a missional church, actively using our unique gifts and talents to fulfill the Great Commission. This involves going out into the world, sharing the gospel, and serving others in various capacities, exemplified by our follow-up team's outreach activities. [50:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:01] - The Church as the Body of Christ
[08:23] - Prayer and Intercession
[10:13] - Praying for Our Nation
[11:27] - Praying for Leaders
[12:16] - Entering into Worship
[19:55] - Cleansing Our Hearts
[29:59] - Prayer for Understanding
[30:36] - Jesus Delegates Authority
[31:47] - The Mission of the Church
[32:36] - The One-Man Show Problem
[34:15] - The Role of the Pastor
[35:47] - The Importance of Serving
[36:32] - The Body Analogy
[38:02] - The Messiah Complex
[39:28] - Practical Benefits of Team Ministry
[41:09] - The Power of Teamwork
[42:37] - Mutual Support and Accountability
[44:12] - Jesus' Promises for Team Ministry
[45:24] - Divine Provision and Empowerment
[47:04] - Supernatural Empowerment
[48:36] - The Call to Serve
[49:27] - Examples of Outreach
[50:49] - Becoming a Missional Church
[51:37] - The Great Commission
[52:31] - Embracing Our Call
[53:17] - Invitation to Prayer
[59:03] - The Nicene Creed
[01:04:39] - Giving Thanks
[01:05:16] - Holy Communion
[01:08:15] - The Lord's Prayer
[01:18:01] - Closing Prayers
[01:20:01] - Sending Out
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 6:7-13: "Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: 'Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.' They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them."
2. Ephesians 4:11-12: "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
3. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples when He sent them out in Mark 6:7-13?
2. According to Ephesians 4:11-12, what roles did Christ give to the church, and for what purpose?
3. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are the benefits of working together as a team?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' delegation of authority to His disciples in Mark 6:7-13 illustrate the shift from being observers to active participants in ministry? [30:36]
2. What does Ephesians 4:11-12 suggest about the role of church leaders in equipping the congregation for ministry? How does this align with the sermon’s message about the pastor's role? [34:15]
3. How does the analogy of the body in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 relate to the concept of team ministry discussed in the sermon? [42:37]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Mark 6:7-13, how can you actively participate in your church’s ministry rather than being a passive observer? What specific steps can you take this week to get involved? [31:47]
2. Considering the roles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12, what unique gifts or talents do you believe God has given you? How can you use these gifts to serve others in your church community? [34:15]
3. The sermon mentioned the dangers of a "Messiah complex" among leaders. How can you support your church leaders to avoid this pitfall and encourage a more collaborative ministry approach? [38:02]
4. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the importance of mutual support and accountability. How can you foster stronger relationships within your small group or church to ensure everyone feels supported and accountable? [42:37]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being a missional church. What are some practical ways you can engage in outreach activities in your community, similar to the follow-up team’s efforts at gallery nights and skate parks? [50:49]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt like a spectator in your church. What changes can you make to transition from being a spectator to an active participant in your church’s mission? [31:13]
7. How can you encourage others in your church to discover and use their gifts for ministry? What role can you play in helping to build a more unified and effective body of Christ? [35:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Participation in the Church
The church is not a place for spectators but a body where every member has a role and responsibility. This is rooted in the New Testament doctrine that emphasizes the church as the body of Christ, where each part is essential for healthy growth and function. Just as a sports team requires every player to contribute, the church thrives when each member actively participates. This means using your unique gifts and talents to serve others and build up the community. When everyone is engaged, the church becomes a vibrant, dynamic body that can effectively carry out its mission.
In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends out His disciples, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons. This delegation of authority signifies a shift from being mere observers to active participants in His ministry. Similarly, every believer today is called to move from passive attendance to active involvement in the church's mission. This active participation is not just beneficial for the church but also for individual spiritual growth and fulfillment. [07:01]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: What unique gifts and talents do you have that you can use to serve your church community? How can you take a step towards active participation this week?
Day 2: Delegation and Empowerment
Jesus' delegation of authority to His disciples in Mark 6:7-13 marks a significant shift from observation to active participation. This principle continues today, where every believer is called to be an active participant in ministry, not just a passive observer. Jesus empowered His disciples to carry out His work, showing that ministry is a collective effort. This empowerment is crucial for the growth and effectiveness of the church, as it allows for a broader reach and impact.
When believers are empowered to use their gifts, the church becomes a more dynamic and effective body. This delegation also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among members, encouraging them to take initiative and contribute to the church's mission. By empowering others, leaders can focus on equipping and mentoring, creating a more sustainable and impactful ministry. [30:36]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: In what ways can you empower others in your church community? How can you encourage and support someone to take on a new role or responsibility?
Day 3: The Role of the Pastor
The pastor's job is to equip the saints for ministry, not to do all the work themselves. This is supported by Paul's teachings in Ephesians, where different roles within the church are meant to prepare God's people for works of service, leading to a more effective and unified body of Christ. The pastor is a shepherd, guiding and equipping the flock to carry out the mission of the church. This involves teaching, mentoring, and providing resources for spiritual growth and ministry.
When pastors focus on equipping rather than doing all the work, the church becomes more resilient and capable of fulfilling its mission. This approach also prevents burnout among leaders and encourages a more collaborative and supportive church environment. By equipping the saints, pastors enable the church to function as a healthy, unified body where every member can contribute meaningfully. [34:15]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: How can you support your pastor in their role of equipping the saints? What steps can you take to be better equipped for ministry?
Day 4: Benefits of Team Ministry
Team ministry spreads the load, provides mutual support, and facilitates accountability. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the strength found in unity and teamwork, showing that collective effort leads to greater effectiveness and divine empowerment. When ministry is shared among a team, it allows for a diversity of gifts and perspectives, enhancing the overall impact. Team ministry also fosters a sense of community and mutual support, as members can rely on each other for encouragement and accountability.
Jesus modeled team ministry by sending His disciples out in pairs, and the early church continued this practice. This approach not only spreads the workload but also provides a support system for those involved in ministry. By working together, the church can achieve more and experience greater spiritual growth and empowerment. [42:37]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Reflection: How can you contribute to a team ministry in your church? What steps can you take to foster unity and mutual support within your ministry team?
Day 5: Missional Church
We are called to be a missional church, actively using our unique gifts and talents to fulfill the Great Commission. This involves going out into the world, sharing the gospel, and serving others in various capacities, exemplified by our follow-up team's outreach activities. A missional church is outward-focused, seeking to impact the community and the world with the love and message of Jesus Christ. This requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to engage with those who need to hear the gospel.
Being a missional church means recognizing that every believer has a role in the Great Commission. It involves using our unique gifts and talents to serve others and share the gospel in practical ways. By embracing this calling, the church can make a significant impact on the world, bringing hope and transformation to those in need. [50:49]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to be more missional in your daily life? How can you use your gifts and talents to share the gospel and serve others in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Two thousand years ago Jesus empowered his first followers to be active participants in his ministry and he continues that exact same strategy today. There's an important principle that we need to lay hold of here: Christian ministry is not and has never been a spectator sport. It's a team effort and God's plan is that every single person called by the name of Jesus Christ be part of the body or a team that is experiencing supernatural empowerment and divine provision in order to accomplish the stated mission of the church." [31:13] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God wants to bless the world through his chosen people. That's the reason he chose people. To use you to pour his grace, his love, his provision, his mercy into a world that desperately needs to know him. And it is only when we serve his purpose in unity that we are supernaturally empowered and divinely sustained." [45:24] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we join God, in what he purposes to do, we can count on the limitless resources of heaven and earth. But God doesn't bless us just to make us happy. He blesses us in order to make us a blessing to others. We're not to be a reservoir of his blessing. We're to be a channel of his blessing." [45:24] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A non-serving Christian, as I said, is an oxymoron. Ministers are not professionals that are hired to do the religious things that you don't want to do. My job is to train, to organize, to equip you to do the work of ministry. And when this happens, we work together in unity. We find that we are supernaturally empowered by God." [48:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God wants this church, the mission church, to be exactly that, missional, aimed at the great commission, aimed at spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. And the gospel is about restoration of God's original vision. People who are in communion with God, their spirit's alive again to God, but also it's about health. And it's about prosperity, it's about all those things, it's about shalom." [51:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There are two big problems that develop when a person serves in an area where they're not called and gifted by God. First, their work is not done well. And second, the person who's simply filling the hole prevents the right person from doing what they are gifted and called to do. And we end up with a very dysfunctional body that is really ineffective. And this usually results in burnout, frustration, and even decline." [37:11] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are a lot of people in church, especially among the leadership, and more specifically among pastors, priests, who have what is called that Messiah complex, and it's the need to be needed. It's a compulsion to be the Savior and to be recognized as such. There was a time when I felt threatened when other people stepped in and did things differently or better than I did them." [38:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Teamwork spreads the load so that more can be done more easily. John in his gospel quotes Jesus in saying this, I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I've been doing, this is Jesus speaking, he will do even greater things than these because I've been doing what I've been doing. Now, Jesus was not saying that individually we outdo him. We can't do a better job of being Jesus with skin on than Jesus did when he walked on the earth." [40:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The first danger sign of a soul drifting from God is when that person separates himself or herself from other believers. Christians are like coals in a fireplace. When they clean together, they keep the fire. When they separate, they die out. Communion is strength. Solitude is weakness. Accountability to another is the only way to safeguard against our constant poor judgment, subconscious motivations, and our self-deceit." [42:37] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we function as a team, we step out in faith, and the power of heaven, really is at our disposal. Only when Jesus sent the disciples out two by two did they have the power to heal and to cast out demons. It was when the disciples were in unity in prayer in that upper room after Jesus ascended to heaven that the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost." [47:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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