Are You a Spectator or a Teammate?

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Think about the last time you watched a major sporting event. What was your role? You likely sat in the stands or on your couch, cheering for the players who were actually on the field doing the hard work. It’s easy to be a spectator, but have you ever considered that many people approach their church life with that same "sideline" energy?

    We often view the "ministry" as something only the pastor or a few select leaders do, while the rest of us simply watch and evaluate. However, biblical Christianity was never intended to be a spectator sport. 

    In fact, historical data from The Barna Group suggests that in the healthiest, most vibrant churches, over 60% of the congregation is actively involved in some form of service, compared to less than 20% in struggling congregations. When we move from the bleachers to the field, the entire community feels the impact.

    I personally believe that a real vibrant Christian life is one lived in serving God and others, rather than seeking to be served. So many people today want to go to church to experience worship and a powerful move of God. However, the real excitement is not on the sidelines its in the fields.

The Power of a Team

    The Apostle Paul is one of history's most influential figures, having led thousands to Christ and built numerous churches. Yet, as he closed his letter to the Colossians, he didn't take a victory lap. Instead, he shined a spotlight on a group of ordinary people—slaves, freemen, Jews, and Greeks—who made his work possible. He wanted the church to understand that his ministry was co-dependent on theirs. They were not just watching the work being done, they were apart of the work! 

Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.- (Colossians 4:7-18)

 Understanding the Effort

    Paul’s closing remarks reveal a fundamental truth: the success of the church is a "team effort" accomplished through mutual obedience and work.

  • Sharing the Ministry: Paul needed Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver his letters, a 1,000-mile journey mostly on foot. Without Tychicus and Onesimus Paul's letters would not have been delivered. Because they were willing to share his message, we still have the book of Colossians 2,000 years later! We are sharing in this ministry today whenever we invite someone to church or share a spiritual truth on social media. As we work together we are able to do the various things that need to be done for the gospel to be preached around the world. 

  • Supporting the Ministry: Even the greatest "players" need a team. Think of Michael Jordan; as phenomenal as he was, he couldn't win championships without teammates like Scottie Pippen or Dennis Rodman . Paul needed the encouragement and support of men like Mark and Justice to do what God called him to do. We often think on supporting ministries in terms of financial helps and that does have its application. However, we can do more than give money. We can take time to encourage others who are serving. We can spend time praying for the people God is using in various ways. We can pray for missionaries, pastors, Sunday School teachers. We can send cards and gifts of encouragement, letting them know that they are making a diffrence. 

  • Multiplying the Ministry: Sometimes we aren't just called to support a ministry, but to start one. Paul led Epaphras to the Lord, and Epaphras went back home and started the church in Colossae himself. We can take a lesson we learned at church and share with with someone at work and their by multiplying it's effectiveness. We can share sermons, bible studies, and blogs and in doing so you are multiplying the outreach impact. This blog alone has so far reached (at the time of writing this blog post) 11,000 people in its life time. These blog posts are making its way to various countries all across the world. That happens because people like you share it! There are times God calls us to start a ministry, start a bible study, meet some need in the community. Ministry is meant to be multiplied! 

The Answer to a Prayer

    We often wait for "someone else" to meet a need we see in our community or church.You might be the answer to someone's prayer. If you see a struggling neighbor or a gap in a church program, that may be God leading you to step up rather than waiting for a professional minister to handle it .

    God’s design for the church is for us to be co-dependent on Him and on one another. Whether you are a "Tychicus" delivering a message or a "Mark" providing support after making past mistakes, you are vital to the work. You are apart of the grand and global plan of God to reach the world for Christ. You might not be the next Billy Graham but the work and ministry God has for you to do is no less important! 

As you look at your church and your community this week, remember that every successful outreach—from a community breakfast to a Vacation Bible School—is the result of the power of God combined with the obedience of people working as a team .

Are you content to stay in the stands, or are you ready to join the team and see what God can do through your unique contribution?

What is one small way you can move from being a spectator to a teammate in your community this week?

Location: Ashmore, IL 61912, USA

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