The ministry of the laity is the work of mission or ministry to which each believer is
called. I Peter 2:9 says “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own
people, In order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light.” As Christians we are all called to this ministry or priesthood – not just
clergy. Each of us has a responsibility to proclaim the Good News and reach out to
others in love.
Through our baptism we are given gifts of the Holy Spirit which empower us for our tasks. Each of us has a particular interest or passion for aspects of this call to mission and ministry. Remember that no one spiritual gift is greater than another and that all of the parts of the Body of Christ are needed to ensure the proper function of the Church. (See I Corinthians 12 and Romans 12). Plan to discover or affirm your spiritu- al gifts and think about your areas of passion. This is the first step into the ministry of the laity.
The second step is to maintain a relationship with God through the practice of spiritual disciplines or the means of grace which are; worship, searching the scriptures, prayer, Holy Communion, fasting or abstinence and holy conferencing or group fellowship.
The third step is to prepare or train for an area of ministry or leadership by taking courses and reading books about your area of giftedness or passion. Jesus said that we are to love the Lord our God with all our minds, hearts and strength and our neighbors as ourselves – follow this rule.
John Wesley insisted that early Methodists follow the “General Rules” which can be summarized as:
1. Do no harm. 2. Do good. 3. Stay in love with God (practice the means of grace)
Thank you for taking your call to the ministry and mission of the laity seriously. This ministry is not just for the church but is for all that you do, every day, at work, school or at home. May God bless you as you serve your church and the world and help to make disciples for Jesus Christ. (From www.gbod.org)
Through our baptism we are given gifts of the Holy Spirit which empower us for our tasks. Each of us has a particular interest or passion for aspects of this call to mission and ministry. Remember that no one spiritual gift is greater than another and that all of the parts of the Body of Christ are needed to ensure the proper function of the Church. (See I Corinthians 12 and Romans 12). Plan to discover or affirm your spiritu- al gifts and think about your areas of passion. This is the first step into the ministry of the laity.
The second step is to maintain a relationship with God through the practice of spiritual disciplines or the means of grace which are; worship, searching the scriptures, prayer, Holy Communion, fasting or abstinence and holy conferencing or group fellowship.
The third step is to prepare or train for an area of ministry or leadership by taking courses and reading books about your area of giftedness or passion. Jesus said that we are to love the Lord our God with all our minds, hearts and strength and our neighbors as ourselves – follow this rule.
John Wesley insisted that early Methodists follow the “General Rules” which can be summarized as:
1. Do no harm. 2. Do good. 3. Stay in love with God (practice the means of grace)
Thank you for taking your call to the ministry and mission of the laity seriously. This ministry is not just for the church but is for all that you do, every day, at work, school or at home. May God bless you as you serve your church and the world and help to make disciples for Jesus Christ. (From www.gbod.org)