Laity Sunday

REFLECTIONS
October 11, 2009

Most lay persons do not spend a great deal of time thinking about their ministry. They leave what they consider ministry to clergy. After all clergy are set aside for Ordination by local congregations. Clergy are educated at fine graduate theological schools, examined and credentialed by Boards of Ordained Ministry and ordained by Bishops at Annual Conferences. However, it would be a huge mistake to underestimate the Ministry of the Laity. In the sixteenth century Martin Luther turned the religious world on its ear when, while leading the Protestant Reformation, he announced the order of “The Priesthood of All Believers.” By this he meant that all who believed by virtue of their faith had a holy obligation to act in ministry. What he declared in fairly clear terms was the future of the Church, in terms of community and institution, belonged not to the sanctified in the pulpits, but to the saints in the pews.

In the past twenty years or so, experts in congregational development looking over statistical data regarding church growth have begun to notice Pastors do not necessarily make churches grow. While it would be too simple to say pastoral leadership has nothing to do with church growth, there is a more powerful singular element. This would be the congregation. The numbers show that more than eighty percent of the time people come to a house of worship because they have been invited. Of course, some come because they see something in terms of advertisement or outreach in the newspaper or on television. More importantly, people stay with a congregation and get involved because they feel a sense of invitation, to be involved and find a way to express their gifts in ministry.

You will notice that brilliant preaching, programs, or outstanding music were not the primary draws. A theology of hospitality, along with a caring and nurturing atmosphere are the most powerful elements necessary for a dynamic congregation. My mentor in early ministry had a favorite saying regarding the primary relationship between lay persons and clergy. “The primary task between a pastor and a congregation is to be partners in the gospel.” This simple phrase has served me well and blessed me enormously.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601