Clergy versus Laity Prejudice

One of the most debilitating things in the body of Christ today is that it seems that we tend to operate our churches and ministry expressions with the mindset that a very small elite group has an anointing to do the work of the ministry whilst the majority are passengers whose only job is to bring volunteer and financial support. This is terrible and I believe unbiblical way to view the work of Christ on the earth.

The reason that many behave this way in the body of Christ has to do with a strange and tragic phenomenon that began to enter the church several hundred years after it was birthed by God as recorded in the book of Acts. A professional “Clergy” class became established as a response to the growing numbers of the church and also as a reaction to the geo-political events that were happening on the earth.

I want to say straight up that I believe in kingdom leaders as outlined in Ephesians 4 commonly known as five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists) it's just that their job description is never recorded in scripture as doing the ministry of the saints.

These leadership gifts were given by Christ to equip and empower the saints, not to be hoarded or controlled by the leadership. This is a big issue as I believe that it's one of the key reasons that the body of Christ has not been as effective in its call as it can be.

We are all called and anointed by God for ministry, some just express that ministry in a congregational setting, and others in a marketplace setting. Same Holy Spirit, the same access to the miracle-working power of God, the same access to the gifts and empowerment of the Spirit.

Whether you are a factory worker, a business owner, a school teacher, or a stay-at-home parent, you are anointed for your ministry. The grace of God is available to and for you to be effective in your assignment, just like pastors, kids church workers and chaplains are. You don't get a watered-down version of the anointing.

The role of church leaders is to equip us and train us in the anointing so we can be effective not just on Sundays but Monday to Saturday. This isn't a competition or one being better than the other, this is about the different parts of the body, working in beautiful harmony. Know your assignment and lean into the grace of God that has been made available to you today.

I invite you to join me in a prayer today around the dismantling of this clergy versus laity divide:

Father,

I thank You that You have anointed me, you empower each and every one of your children to be effective in the ministry assignments that you position them in. Help me Holy Spirit to learn how to walk in step with you and be your vessel of blessing, life, and testimony to my marketplace sphere. I love you and thank you for this kingdom calling in and to the marketplace in Jesus' name.

Amen

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