What does it mean to be a member of the church?
To me, being a member of the church means
1. regular attendance
2. participating in group worship
3. paying tithes and giving offering.
These actions are no doubt a solid foundation; however they are just that – a foundation. I believe we are called to do more. We are called to sacrifice our time and utilize our talents. I don’t just want to be a member of the church. I want to be an active member of the church. I want to be used of God and see positive change in my community not for my glory but for His. Although I am a flawed human and I know it is impossible, I want to please the Lord every moment of everyday. I want to share the good news of His mercy and grace freely and without shame or hesitation. I want to be a field worker in the great harvest of souls that the Lord has declared to come.
However, I cannot hope to accomplish any of these things if I do not actively seek to serve the Lord and his house of worship with a sense of dedication and selflessness.
Even the smallest of churches has numerous ministries that contribute to its operation.
There’s the board of trusties who vote on vital matters, cleaners who sweep the floors and tidy the bathrooms, Sunday school teachers who minister to the young, worship leaders who encourage the move of the Spirit, ushers who open doors and welcome guests, garden caretakers who pull weeds and mulch flowerbeds, media assistants who manage the sound board and make sure the right song words are displayed on the projector – the list goes on and on. A church simply cannot be run by a small handful of individuals; every single member must contribute.
What talents do you have to contribute? Humble yourself in your decision. Do not seek a position for recognition. Whether or not a task requires you to be front and center in the church or whether it requires you to be behind the scenes with little awareness from others, do what the Lord has called you to do. Do what you can to benefit and strengthen the church. Spend time in prayer and ask the Lord to open your eyes to His plan. You may not like his answer but all aspects of the body of Christ must be tended to. You will be rewarded for your service.
Romans chapter 12 reminds us of the beautiful diversity of the church. Verses 4-6 read, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having the gifts differing according to grace that is given us…”
Thank goodness we are not all the same! Can you image what the church would be like if everyone only possessed talents in music? Who would preach? Who would teach our children? Who would organize fundraisers? Every single position is important and is pleasing to God.
What ministries might need an extra hand? What ministries don’t exist yet? Fulfill the calling of God on your life. Be more than a warm body sitting on a pew, take action and initiate change and growth in your church! You’re capable no matter what age or background.
Your effort does matter.
When you don’t see results, when your work doesn’t seem important, when you’re tired and worn out, be reminded:
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saint, and do minister.” {Hebrews 6:10}