Throughout the Summer we are highlighting the value and importance of lay ministry in our churches by sharing articles, stories, testimonies and pointing to ways that people might explore their ministry via our Pathways courses. Anna Naish, Lay Learning Lead, reflects on being part of the body of Christ.
I don’t know if you remember the sweets ‘Body parts’. They were a collection of fruity gummy sweets shaped as ears, noses, mouths etc. Picture an edible ‘Potato head’ without the potato!
These sweets often come to mind when I read 1 Corinthians 12 because for me it creates a very visual image of disconnected body parts chatting with one another about their worth. I shared a reflection on this passage at last year’s Celebration of Lay Ministry and find myself reflecting on it again. This time it has been drawing out three thoughts to me.
We can dismiss ourselves because we don’t realise the value in who we are and the ministry God has given us. Like the foot saying, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body”. Too often we don’t notice the value God has placed on us. God has created each of us with skills, gifts, experiences and a personality that is uniquely needed for his work. Do you know where and why God has placed you there? Do you talk and pray to God about it?
We can dismiss people because we don’t see the value in what they do. Like if the eye said to the hand “I don’t need you!”. Dismissing someone can be an active thing or it can be simply not noticing what they do. Yet, the passage tells us this shouldn’t happen. There are so many seen and unseen roles in our churches, some are formal roles and many are just the things people do. All these roles are equally valuable in God’s eyes and we should too. It’s about noticing, encouraging, praising and supporting one another in who they are and what they do. How do you show love that values and builds others up?
That there is a place for everyone in your church community. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Each member has a role and a place and we need to help people to discover their gifts and what they are called to (at home, in church, at work, in their community). Alongside this as the whole body we are called to help people to know where they fit into the body, so they know their calling is part of a shared calling. This enables people to feel part of the body, connected to other parts and following God together. How do you see you people fitting together? How might you do it more?
As part of my role, I have the joy of watching lay people growing in confidence of their gifts and calling, I chat to churches about how they are helping one another to flourish and what else they might do. Your church will have its own shape, do spend some time thinking about what the body of Christ looks like where you are and how it could grow more connected. Do share your stories with us of what is happening in your own space.
And beyond your own church, there are a number of things seeking to celebrate, equip and connect us all; Pathways sessions to equip lay people in their ministry, Celebration of lay ministry seeking to celebrate and value the wealth of lay ministry in the diocese and the Autumn consultations inviting people to add their voice as we explore our calling together. We’d love to see you there.