Rev Writes - October 12

“I am a Member of NAC.” Last week we started to explore what this means. We could see it in terms of the Anglican Church and its rules and ordinances. But for us here at NAC we always start with what the Bible says and the Bible has serious things to say about church.

In 1 Corinthians 12 we read about God giving to every one of his people gifts for serving others in the church. So here’s a good starting point. God equips his people to build up his church. Every Christian is enabled by God to serve his people and to play their part in helping others grow towards maturity in Christ.

So how does that relate to membership? If every member of NAC is gifted by God to serve other members then serving other members surely must be part and parcel of membership.

There’s a few issues to discuss here. Like, in what way has God enabled me to serve others? In the past Christians often spent time trying to identify the gift or gifts that God had given them and then looked for opportunities to use that gift. Have another look at 1 Corinthians 12. Do you think that is the approach that Paul is recommending? After all, he doesn’t even tell us anything about the various gifts he mentions except where they come from and why we’ve got them. So to spend time trying to identify and describe and analyse gifts seems to miss the point.

Another issue is how do I develop my gifts/abilities? Does NAC need to run courses on gift development before members use their gifts? Or do they develop with use?

Another issue is do I need to be officially recognised before I minister to and serve others? Obviously with some ministry that’s essential. We do want to maintain high standards of child protection, for example. And we want those who teach the Bible to be equipped to teach it soundly. But aren’t there a whole lot of other opportunities to serve others?

There’s a number of questions that need to be discussed but it seems pretty clear that serving others in the church is one clear aspect of membership. So, how are you serving? We need to think about that and be OK with the answer each of us has.

But our answer mustn’t be considered in isolation. Every one of us is a part of NAC. So we are bound to each other and united in Christ with each other. So our answer must be considered in fellowship with others. Talking to your friends and leaders about how you serve others and help them grow towards maturity in Christ seems to be essential.

So if we actually have a more defined idea of membership here should we include ministry to others at NAC as part of membership? And if so, how much ministry is required for membership? Are some ministries in and others not so important? Have another read of 1 Corinthians 12 and see what God says about these questions and if he answers any other questions that pop into your had.

While you’re there, you might like to read the rest of 1 Corinthians in preparation.

Neil Macken