Serving the Church

Explanation: Paul is continuing to teach the members at Corinth the fundamentals of becoming a healthy Church. He has already addressed the divisions that exist in the fellowship, he has laid down principles for dealing with sin in the body, and he has given a corrective concerning the Lord’s Supper. Now Paul deals with the general, normal design God has for His Church, and how He has positioned individual Christians to contribute to a healthy Church.

This section of Scripture deals with the giving of Spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the fellowship. Each and every believer has been given at least one spiritual gift (), and when that believer uses his or her gift in the proper way, the fellowship is strengthened.

Paul continues this teaching through an emphasis on unity. He has just taught that these believers will have different gifts, but they are to remember that they are parts of a whole. The individual is to operate within the bounds of the body, using the different gifts for the common good.

Argument: Committees are not the same as spiritual gifts! Some Baptists have served on committees and probably wondered if there was anything spiritual involved at all! However, the principle of unity through diversity is a model for the life of our Church. This fellowship, like most Baptist Churches, has a variety of different committees and ministry teams. We have a Nominating Comm., a Building & Grounds Comm., a Greeters Comm., a Deacon Comm., and others.

The important thing is not that we have a certain number of committees, but that each of these different committees is working toward a common goal. It is also very important to remember that these are not nameless, faceless groups - they are made up of us! You are the individual members of a particular committee, and you were prayed for before you were asked to serve.

Application: So what does this mean to you as an individual committee member? Hopefully you will see yourself in a position to contribute to the well-being of the church. Hopefully, you see yourself in an important position that actually matters to the Kingdom! And, hopefully, you see your committee has a purpose in making a positive contribution - you aren’t on a committee to fill a slot!

Each Committee has a unique purpose that contributes to the functioning of the Church ()

Explanation: Paul then tells the Corinthians the Holy Spirit has graced the Church with differing spiritual gifts. Paul uses the concept of the body to make this teaching memorable. Just like a body has feet, arms, a head, and eyes, but is still one body, he teaches that although their are a variety of gifts, they are very much a part of the whole.

Illustrate: NASCAR pit crew. Each member has a specific task, and that is all that he does. But, if he doesn’t do it, the car will not perform.

Argument: Each committee or ministry team has a different purpose and will perform different tasks. The building and grounds comm. is responsible for the physical plant and condition of the church, while the greeter team is responsible for welcoming guests, greeting members, and handing out bulletins. These tasks are worlds apart, but each is vitally important. Consider what would happen if the B&G didn’t have the AC fixed, or if the bulletins were not handed out!

Application: You make a contribution to the Church by serving on your Committee. Do you realize you fill an important role? Do you know what your role is? During your meeting time, your chairperson or ministry leader will explain what your responsibilities include. Please take this seriously, and ask God to help you to do your best!

Each Committee can also have a ministry purpose which will help us become a more healthy Church

Explanation: Paul makes the point that God gives His children Spiritual Gifts to build up the Church. Some Christians are supernaturally gifted as teachers, some are given the gift of mercy, others have the gift of hospitality, some have the gift of leadership. Regardless of the specific gift, it is clear that the gifts are to work together to promote a healthy body.

Argument: Transferring this principle to the inner workings of the Church is still somewhat clear when looking at the Preaching Ministry or the Sunday School ministry of the church. Sometimes, it is less clear when we start talking about the Homecoming Committee or the Ushers. But it is in each committee or ministry teach that there needs to be a sense of mission. Not just in the the specifics of what you do (fixing a clogged toilet or taking up offering) but in the sense of why and how it contributes to the health of the church.

Application: What is the spiritual purpose of your team? What are the goals for your team? What does your committee hope to accomplish this church year? How will your team personally contribute to the Kingdom in the area of prayer? in the area of evangelism?

Take this time to develop a ministry plan and set goals (both physical and spiritual). Pray together for your ministry team

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