Originally Posted by Contra_Mundum

The logic of "everybody's a minister" is ... that there will be no "Minister."

Of course, we want everyone to have an opportunity for various forms of "involvement" in the communal life of the church. But what about THE Ministry? Is it a reality? If it is, then the "pew sitters" (as they have been termed) actually have a right to expect their Minister to give 100% to his task. And their elders to give 100% to theirs. And the deacons too.

But I don't recall the Word of God listing the job descriptions of anyone else. So, the creation of various "ministries" in the church is ... just man-made positions. Holding people accountable for spiritual negligence, when God hasn't, is a species of Phariseeism.

As was already pointed out, there is a doctrine of callings (or vocations). Some are called to the ministry. Everyone else is called to "work with their own hands," so that they might have something to give to others in need. Putting someone on guilt-trip for not "contributing" at church, instead of praying and waiting for the Spirit of God to move hearts to expand the church's reach, is the wrong tactic. Trying to turn the church into an activity center is foolish.

The people are supposed to come to the SERVICE. Whose service are we talking about? GOD'S. Yes, that's right, as a matter of fact, it IS all about coming to church and get get get get get. Receive Receive Receive Receive Receive. That is EXACTLY what salvation is all about. It is the job of THE Ministry to GIVE to the people in the pews, on behalf of God.

That the people respond dialogically (by speaking back to God) is perfectly reasonable. But that is the WORSHIP aspect of the "worship/service." Perhaps we would be better instructed by calling it a Service/worship.