Immanuel Bible Church

John MacArthur has an excellent discussion on one of the side effects of the church growth or pragmatic movement - the lack of a lay ministry.

bq. “Something is seriously wrong in a church where the staff does all the “ministry” and people are made to feel comfortable as mere observers. One of the pastor’s main duties is to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:12). Every believer is called to be a minister of some sort, with each of us using the unique gifts given us by God for the edification of the whole church (Rom. 12:6-8).”

A vital element to the spiritual growth a church is an active lay ministry where the body of Christ cares, encourages, and prays for its own. Also included in the post is a most excellent analogy to Dizzy Dean. It is a good day and indeed a good post when baseball is used for emphasis.

Adam