Subject: Understanding Your Responsibilities In A Local Churchhttp://RCCG
Title of Column: Redemption Outreach from the Diaspora
Columnist: Pastor Sam Adelusimo, Resident Pastor, RCCG Chapel of Praise, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America.
Last week, we explored the biblical meaning of giving. One of the perspectives and talking points was “giving” your “substance” in kingdom service.
Which areas of need does the church have in which you can be relevant? What can you do in the House of God? What God-given talents or skills do you have to offer? What are your responsibilities in a church; why must you take them and how can you plug into them? These are our focal points this week.
Today’s subject furthers the topic of understanding the Church of Jesus Christ of three weeks ago. The Church is not only a place of worship; it is also a place and a veritable platform to serve in different gifted or honed capacities. Like biblical giving, service should be done with all our hearts. Another way to honor the Lord with our substance is by serving in the church.
We specifically are called to serve. Jesus said to Peter that He would build His Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Jesus was saying here that His assignment on earth with the Church was over and that He was handing it over to Peter and all humanity. By this, Jesus was calling Peter and all Christians to serve in His Church. The task is not Peter’s alone; we are all his co-laborers.
Thus, we are not Christians to come to worship alone. Neither are we born again to warm the chairs on Sundays and other days of worship. We are to continue the various roles in those departments of the Church of Jesus as executed by the disciples and apostles.
Working In God’s house preserved our faith
Today’s Church is even more dynamic as the world continues to evolve. Therefore, we have more roles to play in it. The Church of God is the same all over the world, regardless of the denominations. We are the same. Thanks to the Catholics, the relics of the days of Jesus in Israel were preserved. They played their own role in preserving the substance that holds our faith together. Many- if not all of us the older ones- emanated from older denominations, such as Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, and Methodist churches. Our strong Christian foundation was in them and we were first called Christians in these churches. Today, we have many other denominations, but we all call on Jesus and preach the message of Christ. All of this proves the universality and oneness of our Christian faith.
Serving is not an option
That said, it is pertinent for every Christian to identify and connect with a local church assembly. God placed you in the body (the church) to serve and meet the needs of that church in one way or the other. A true church member is supposed to show unconditional love for God. The same way Jesus came to the earth to serve us, should be how we must deliberately return the favor. The global church is quite large and the only level at which we can make an impact is the local church. We need to know and take responsibility in a local assembly.
The reason Christians traverse the corners of the city and have multiple pastors or churches is that they avoid or flee from responsibilities. In four Sundays, they have been to four churches and the minister in each of them is their local pastor. A baby cannot have his name in the register of multiple hospitals. Therefore, like a newborn baby who has a particular clinic he is registered, a born-again Christian needs to have himself registered in a particular church. It does not end there, he should identify his place in the assembly by way of what he can do and where he fits into as far as service is concerned.
The Church we belong places a responsibility on us. It is not for offering and tithing alone. We all belong to different nucleus families and have different roles in these families. As a father, I have specific and unambiguous responsibilities in my family. As a mother, your responsibilities are quite clear. The local church is a family and as a member, you are a member of that family. You should know your responsibilities.
The mentality of belonging to a local assembly or a megachurch only for the purpose of being fed, cared for, or served is selfish and not the right one. Some join churches for miracles, deliverance, or anything that directly profits them. This is not right. If you are in a church to be fed with the word of God, this is a very good reason. But we must also follow the word of God which instructs us to be relevant in kingdom service. Peter 4:10-11 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”.
The call is an instruction. It is not a plea or admonition from God. Serving in God’s House is not negotiable. What can you do for your local church? Can you sing? Join the choir. Can you edit? Join the media or editorial team. Do you have a hospitable nature? Join the ushering or hospitality group. Are you a stickler for order? The protocol unit is there for you. If you have a penchant for cleanliness or are a professional in the cleaning industry, join the sanctuary department. If you are a prayerful person, be part of the prayer force. And so on.
There are benefits to working In God’s house
“If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures” (Job 36:11). This is good news for those who serve in God’s House. What does this mean? You will experience true freedom, joy, and peace. You will gain a deeper understanding of His love for you and develop a stronger relationship with Him. When you serve Him, God will provide strength in difficult times, wisdom for making profitable decisions, and hope in any situation.
When you serve God, your faith will remain strong and unshakable, and by this, we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
By serving in the local church, we get to meet and connect with people in such a divinely rewarding way. We experience divine connection and open doors that will engender our prosperity. In addition, the church becomes more united and a united church is a powerful one (Matthew 18:20).
We are contributing to advancing the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:9-10). There is no greater honor than contributing to the expansion of God’s kingdom.
Divine protection and preservation are the portions of them that serve God (Psalm 37:25; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 91:1-2).
Other benefits of working in God’s House are the discovery and development of spiritual gifts, experiencing miracles, finding and fulfilling personal purpose, enhancement of spiritual growth, and character development.
No one serves God in His Vineyard (local church assembly or through other forms of kingdom service) and loses. By serving Him, you will spend your days in prosperity and years in pleasure. You are a winner. Friends, take responsibility!
You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@chapelofpraisenorthwestark6564. You may also visit our website https://www.chapelofpraisenwa.org/ for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services.
•Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America.
