Session 1

What happens when every role matters and everyone has a role

From Pursuing Uncommon Unity: A 7-Day Devotional

If we’re not careful, we’ll believe the lie that some positions in the church are more important to Jesus’ mission than others. Or, we’ll find ourselves thinking our role is more important than that of a volunteer in another area.

Jesus desired unity in His Church. We are one group of people pursuing a shared mission with individual contributions. 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 beautifully explains how this works: “... God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”

We are passionate about different things and gifted in different ways for a reason. Imagine if this Sunday every volunteer and staff member left the building to park cars. Who would serve coffee and help people find their way? Who would get babies to the right room and care for them? Who would set the auditorium or preach the message? Can we agree the church would not be effective that day?

Our human nature wants to assign people value and importance based on their role. But God wants each of us working together to benefit the whole church. Not only does Jesus’ model make the church more effective, but it also brings us more joy. When we’re serving in areas we’re passionate about and using our spiritual gifts, we will be energized by our roles. God blesses our work as we settle into the ministry He designed us for.

The temptation to compare will always be there. The way to fight for unity is to give thanks for the role each person plays, recognizing that each person in the church matters to God and has a vital role in His Church (1 Corinthians 12:24-26).

Reflect:

• As you think about your attitude toward other ministries, are you serving with Jesus’ heart for the church? Is there anyone you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness?
• Maybe your next step is getting involved in the church. As you think about where to serve, consider: What are you passionate about? What are you good at?
• When was the last time you celebrated the work others are doing in your church? Take a moment today to tell someone how much you appreciate their ministry.