Now don’t misunderstand me. I’m not suggesting that Crossroads is all about Glen or myself or any of the other staff. In fact, it’s the total opposite, but I believe that far too often, we equate ministry with “that stuff the pastors do.” If the church is growing and an area has a need, we hire another staff. Too many teens – hire more staff. Too many hospital visits – hire more staff. A church-wide desire for outreach – hire a staff person.
A church should never hire staff to do ministry!
To do so takes us right back to th
e Old Testament where the Levites and priests were the only ones with access to God. It’s a very unhealthy dynamic and it’s un-biblical as well.The bible certainly speaks about vocational clergy, but in Ephesians 4:11-12 it narrowly defines their purpose: “It was he who gave some to be … pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
The bible describes it as
[Pastors Prepare] --- [God’s People Minister]
As a Pastor, when I DO ministry, instead of training or preparing someone else, I’m stepping outside of my job description and I’m stealing an opportunity for one of God’s people to fulfill their calling. Ministry is for the Body.
So to answer the original question, the answer is (A). Crossroads is all about the ministers… YOU ARE THE MINISTERS!!
Peace,
Corbett
