Peter gives us a beautiful summary of the Healthy Church:
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)
First, every member functions. Everyone embraces personal responsibility, thinking and acting with intention and faith:
“As each has received a gift, use it …”
No one is passive. No one is unnecessary. The Holy Spirit has entrusted something real to each believer for the good of all. When every member functions, the whole Body grows toward maturity, stability and fruitfulness.
Second, every member is united with Christ, serving out of His indwelling life.
“as one who serves by the strength that God supplies”
Our serving should not be by mere human ability. It should flow from a deep, abiding union with Christ, drawing on His strength, His compassion, His wisdom and His endurance. It is the life of Christ in us, expressed through us that bears His likeness, produces His fruit and builds the Body to maturity.
Third, everything is to build up the Body.
“use it to serve one another”
The gifts God gives us are not for personal platform, self-expression or personal identity but for strengthening others. A healthy church is a community in which everything we do is for the edification, healing, encouragement and the formation of Christ in one another. Nothing is wasted; everything contributes to growth in Him.
Finally, everything is to glorify God.
“in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
The purpose of everything we do is the glory of God. When the Church lives this way, God is honored, Christ is exalted and the world sees the beauty of His people walking in His grace, truth and love.
This should be the vision of every local church: to be a Spirit-filled community where every believer participates, every gift is stewarded, every act of service builds up the Body, and all of it results in glory to God through Jesus Christ.
Some things are complex and some things are simple.
From these simple ideas Incredible power flows out.
Just imagine a church body where every single person is actively using the gifts Jesus gave them to humbly and lovingly build up others. And each of them are experiencing oneness with Christ as they serve.
This is not something imaginary. It’s how Jesus actually designed it.
If that doesn’t seem possible in your current ministry design, perhaps you could think of changing it in a way where more life would flow.
In fact, if it’s not happening, perhaps that’s the most important thing we could do as leaders.