“And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” (1Corinthians 12:6-7 KJV)
Church leadership is a many-splendored thing. Multi-faceted wisdom is an essential element. The congregation is made up of diverse people with an assorted group of talents and gifts. Most of the people are serious in their walk with the Lord and want to grow spiritually. They like challenges and are determined to live out their Christianity in ways that bring glory to Christ.
The pastor puts a lot of thought, time and effort into the sermons and teaching ministry, combining worship and fellowship to achieve the most effective and beneficial spiritual experience for the flock. We expect all the sheep to participate and grow together. And usually, the people of God are pretty good at following the leader.
Except for a few. Every Sunday they come, sitting in their pews but seemingly not participating in the service. Somehow they fail to recognize that worship is not a spectator event. No matter how clearly the praise and worship leader invites everyone to get involved, a few ignore the leader and do their own thing.
On the one hand, it can be demeaning and aggravating until you realize that we all serve the same God who works in all of us. The Spirit of God is manifested in the midst of us so that every person can profit by his presence, but if a person chooses not to do so, it is both their privilege and responsibility.
On the other hand, maybe those few are simply worshipping God to a different beat. Is it possible that they tune us out because we are distracting them? Maybe we should simply enjoy our own worship and let them enjoy theirs. As long as everyone worships together, individual blessings will flow.
I pay less attention to how the congregation is worshipping these days and half the time a few continue to do their own thing. That’s alright, though. Perhaps we have tried to rigidly force everyone into our worship mould. People worship in different ways and receive what they need accordingly. Perhaps I am a better pastor since a few have taught me to focus on my own worship. Yes, we may have diverse ways of worshipping, but we all worship the same God.
Dear Father, thank you for who you are and your Spirit who is given for our benefit. Empower us to truly worship you in the power of your Spirit. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in your personal worship,