The Lord designed the local church to have each member of the body actively involved. How do we know which area of service is right for us? How do we get started in this area of service once we do know?
Local churches in North America face particular challenges because of the character of the age. Because of technology and the media, people are more and more used to being entertained. Increasingly the trend is for people to be spectators paying others to perform. There is an increase in leisure activity and the desire and ability to take advantage of sports, travel and
hobbies. On the job front, there is a decreasing sense of loyalty, demonstrated by both employees and employers, resulting in a growing level of transience. There is also an alarming focus on individual rights and prerogatives demonstrated by an attitude that continually asks the question, “What’s in it for me?”
These characteristics are seen in church life and can be observed in our assemblies. Such people, if they are teachable, can be taught through the exposition of Scripture and by the example and encouragement of other believers to recognize the pitfalls of some of the characteristics of the age.
Another problem has to do with the reason why people are in a particular local church. They may be there for any number of reasons concerning which they may or may not be conscious. They may attend because of custom—it is their habit to attend a particular assembly. It may be a matter of comfort—they like the people or the programs in a certain assembly. It may even be a matter of convenience—they attend the nearest gathering place or one that offers the most or best amenities when compared to other local churches.
Fortunately, there will be those in nearly every gathering who are there because of conviction, those who believe in the truths displayed by the local church and who want to serve the Lord and demonstrate a love for His people. It is these people who have convictions about New Testament truths regarding church life who will also have conviction about their involvement in the local assembly.
In our recent seminar three areas of concern and relevancy were addressed. We concentrated on the principles outlined in Scripture; the problems that hinder the involvement of people in the local assembly; and finally, practical ways in which spiritual gift can be determined and participation in assembly life can take place.
PRINCIPLES
The principles discussed were drawn from two passages: Romans 12:1-10 and Luke 16:10-12.
In Romans 12, Paul starts with a challenge based on all that the Lord has done for us. In turn, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice which he says is our “reasonable service.” The believer also needs to have a transformed mind which would allow him to determine God’s will. This act and attitude of devotion is the answer to all the self-centeredness seen in the world and also often seen in the local church. These verses do not stand alone, but are the threshold for all that follows concerning service and submission, through to the end of Romans.
When a believer’s body is presented as a living sacrifice, his view of the Lord and of life will be altered. There will be an increased desire for consecration and commitment to the things of the Lord. Instead of dwelling on ourselves and selfish motives, we begin to ask ourselves how we could better regard those around us and indeed what we can do to help them? This change in our attitude affects not only our actions, but spreads by example to those around us.
In this passage, there are biblical imperatives. We are told to minister, to give, to show love and to be hospitable in accordance with the measure of our gift, with diligence and cheerfulness. These precepts give us God’s will for our lives. The Lord Jesus tells us clearly that if we love Him, we will keep His commands.
Within Romans 12 there is also a biblical metaphor presented. We are a body, but a body made up of many individual parts. There is mutual dependence and care that is demanded. We are part of the whole, but the body can only function properly as each part contributes to the well-being of the body.
The teaching of the New Testament is clear that every believer possesses a spiritual gift. This gift has been given so that we can use it to the glory of God and for the good of His people. It is imperative that each believer get involved in the life of the assembly so that needs are met and others are equipped for service.
Luke 16:10-12 tells us there is a connection between how we function in the world, at work, in our home and in our spiritual responsibilities. These areas of trust become a proving ground for responsibility in spiritual matters. The principle is that faithfulness in little things will lead to greater responsibility and a greater sphere of service. It also follows that a lack of faithfulness in these everyday areas would disqualify one from a larger role in the assembly.
In any group made up of volunteers, there is work to be done and shared among the individuals in the group. This is true in assembly life whether the saints meet in a home, school, chapel or hall. Where there are meetings and programs, there is of necessity work that must be done before, during, and after the events. Those who have a heart for the Lord and desire to serve in the local assembly will always find work. There are seats to arrange, hymn books to pick up, facilities to clean, individuals with needs to be helped and a whole lot more. If one is serious about being involved, it is in these simple areas where faithfulness and commitment can be demonstrated.
PROBLEMS
Why do more people not get involved in the local assembly? What holds some people back from ever getting involved?
There are collective issues that some assemblies need to address in order to facilitate involvement. It may be in some cases, where there is a lack of involvement, that the fault may lie within the structure of the local assembly. There may be poor communication, lack of leadership, or little thought given to equipping the saints for service. People may feel unwanted or unneeded. These are issues the elders must look at in the context of their own assembly and that can only be addressed by them. There may indeed be willing workers in an assembly that only need to be asked.
A survey of a local assembly and also of those present at the seminar revealed some of the potential problems that limit the individual’s involvement. For some it may be a matter of worldliness or carnality, and thus they have little interest beyond Sunday morning attendance. This will show itself in a lack of love for the Lord and His people. Their goals in life may not take the local church into account. Others have perceived time constraints. They think they are too busy with job, family or other activities. Others do have serious time limitations due to extraordinary circumstances such as being single parents or caring for someone with special needs. Some may just lack desire and need to be challenged, motivated and encouraged. For those with lack of conviction, the problem may be their view of church life in that they would rather give financially than give time and effort. Others perhaps do not see the needs and have a poor awareness of what could be done.
Most problems to do with lack of involvement can be accounted for in attitude and in the lack of desire to serve others. One’s attitude toward the assembly and one’s place in it will determine the effort extended. If one has a desire to serve the Lord, all obstacles can and will be overcome. The author recently heard of a young couple who, upon introducing themselves the first time they visited a particular assembly (which happened to be at a prayer and Bible study), said, “We are looking for a place where we can serve the Lord.” That attitude stands in stark contrast to the often expressed desire, “What’s in it for me?”
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The biblical principles are clear and in the majority of cases the problems of lack of involvement in the local assembly are spiritual issues concerning love and devotion. If our walk with the Lord improves, so will our conviction and the resulting level of involvement. For some, the desire and conviction to help is there, but there is a lack of knowledge as to how to start. For others there may currently be a level of involvement but a desire to be more involved. For many, however, there may be no sense of what their spiritual gift is or of how to discern it.
Practically speaking, the prerequisite to involvement and or determining and using our gift is prayer and our walk with the Lord. We need to ask the Lord for discernment to determine our gift and then for the opportunity to use it for Him. We should include a prayerful search of the relevant verses that speak of gifts. These references can be found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4.
Part of the process of determining our gift should involve trying different activities. The Lord will make it clear, through the counsel of mature believers and by a degree of blessing on your ministry.
There is a need as well, according to Romans 12:3, for a proper estimation of self and our gift. We are not to be puffed up and self-centered as a result of a perceived gift. Some believers struggle with this concept and have ambitions for a larger role than others would deem appropriate.
It is important to have an opportunity to prove ourselves. Are we doing what we can? Are we showing an interest? Are we exhibiting dependability, zeal and faithfulness? In every assembly there are always obvious jobs to do and help that can be given. All provide opportunities to prove oneself, to show a willingness to help and receive training for further responsibilities.
Above all, we need to examine our motives as to why we want to be involved and why we may want a larger sphere of responsibility. Our purpose must be to build up other believers. Our personal objective must not be for us to be seen and praised by others. Our motivation must also include a desire to serve the Lord who died for us and, as a result of our efforts, bring glory to His name.
If we are not involved in our assembly, let’s get busy. If we don’t know what our spiritual gift is, now is the time to start the search. Look around your meeting place this week and see if there is some physical work you could do. See if there are people who need help in their home or need encouragement; get involved in their lives. Talk to the elders in your assembly and let them know you are willing to be trained and willing to work. Display a servant’s heart and be faithful in the use of your money and in responsibilities around your home. If these things characterize you, the Lord will enlarge your coasts and His hand will be upon you.
Written by Gary McBride