For a team to function smoothly & efficiently, job descriptions are key. Each member knows exactly what is expected of him.
Since a church is a team, God gives us the needed job descriptions in Ephesians 4:11,12. To the point: pastor/teachers are to be the trainers, and the church family is to be trainees – students with teachable attitudes, eager & hungry to be built up so they carry their part of the workload effectively.
True story: a man was asked to consider becoming the pastor of a church. He visited the church, gave an excellent sermon, evaluated the ministry, and declined the offer. Why? He responded that the church family had a spectator mentality. Their habit was to watch the pastor do all the work and criticize. When his comments were shared at a congregational meeting, some members exploded in anger. “How dare he say that!” But the tide slowly shifted as others stood up and acknowledged that, sadly, that man was right. After prayer and repentance, the church phoned the man, agreed with his assessment, admitted their deep need of training, and begged him to be their trainer/pastor. He came. Much blessing came to that church when they submitted to his excellent training.
Read Ephesians 4:11,12. Please note these verses are not optional or suggestions. They are key to a church living up to its God given calling. Time to repent from being a spectator and adopt a trainee attitude? The church works when everyone does their own job description.