“We don’t have churches to provide jobs for a few and spiritual inspiration for the rest. We are the Church so that in our life together in the footsteps of Jesus, He is more clearly seen and known through us all. If just a few more of us get this, our pastors will be doing back flips in the end zone!” - quote from Phil Wagler.

In Ephesians 4:12, Paul reminds the church at Ephesus that Christ gave gifts to the church “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (NIV). Practically speaking, this is accomplished through us doing life together, worshiping God together, confessing sin together, eating together, and studying God’s word together. The Pastor’s role is NOT to entertain or put on a good performance on Sunday morning. Too many churches and Christians have separated “clergy” and “laity”, and view pastors (clergy) like professionals on the stage, and the congregation (laity) as spectators in the stands. This is a very unbiblical concept. May we be encouraged to realize our true identity as children of God, called to serve in the building of His Kingdom, and empowered by the Spirit of the living God inside of us! It is of utmost importance to recognise however, that the “envisioned” church and community we are speaking of, does not and cannot happen by shear determination, hard work or human effort. It is only by the grace of God and Spirit of God that humans can experience a “new birth” which leads to a changed heart and mind, which in turn empowers them to reach out with the same love and forgiveness that they themselves have received. (Ezekiel 36:26, John 3:5-21)