Not Just Pastors: Why Your Role in the Church Matters

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.—Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV)

In our previous post, we spoke directly to pastors about the vital role they play in casting a biblical, Christ-centered vision for the church. If you are a regular member at your church, your role is no less vital.

A vision alone cannot carry a church forward—it must take root in the hearts of ordinary people like you and me. As members of one body, each of us plays a role: pastors and elders may plant the seed, but it is the whole church body that waters, tends, and bears the fruit. We are not mere spectators or recipients of ministry, but vital participants, actively working alongside our leaders.

If we long for a healthy church, we must recognize that each of us has a part to play; we can’t stand on the sidelines. In this post, we’ll explore how we, as members, can help the church grow up in every way into Christ, our Head, through faithful, prayerful participation.

Every Member Maturing the Body in Love

In Ephesians 4:11–16, we see the church growing up into Christ, not by pastors alone, but through the faithful labor of every believer. Christ gives leaders, not to do all the ministry, but to equip the saints—us!—to do the work (Ephesians 4:12). Your role matters deeply.

Each of us has received a gift to steward in service to one another (1 Peter 4:10). Our words of encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25), prayerful support for leadership (1 Thessalonians 5:25), and pursuit of unity (Ephesians 4:2-3) are vital to the church’s growth into maturity. The health of the church is a shared project: when each part works properly, the body grows and builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:16).

The church is not made up of spectators but a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6). As a "priest," we have direct access to God and are called to intercede, serve, and proclaim His excellencies to the world. Even without formal leadership, our lives, prayers, and service are indispensable.

Scripture calls us to grow up into Christ in every way (Ephesians 4:15), helping others set their hearts on Him. That means your spiritual health matters, not only for you but for the church.

As we grow in Christ, He expands our heart for service. Small, faithful steps—encouraging deeper fellowship, modeling maturity, and pursuing gospel-centered conversations—can stir hunger for Christ in others. Watchfully guarding against attitudes that threaten unity helps too. In these ways, we serve our church and support our leaders as they seek to reflect Christ’s fullness to the world.

Growing the Church Together

Here are some ideas to get you started in living out these truths practically.

1. Engage in Fellowship

Growth thrives in the soil of deep, genuine connection. When we pursue relationships with an open heart, we create spaces where Christ’s love can flourish. To encourage this:

• Sit somewhere new each Sunday and meet someone you don’t know.

• Invite others for coffee, a meal, or a casual evening of games and fellowship.

• Send an encouraging text or handwritten note midweek.

• Gather a few people for a Bible study or prayer group.

Simple questions can open wide doors of fellowship:

• How can I pray for you this week?

• What’s something God is teaching you?

• What’s been a recent joy or challenge?

2. Pray for Your Leaders

Leadership in the church is weighty work, and our leaders need faithful intercession. To stand before God on behalf of others, including your leaders, is a sacred privilege and a lasting gift.

• Get to know your pastors and ministry leaders personally when possible.

• Pray for them by name, asking the Lord to:

• Deepen their faith and dependence on Him

• Grant wisdom, courage, and humility

• Bless their homes with peace and love

3. Serve with Your Gifts

You don’t need to have all the answers about your gifts to step in—you simply need a willing heart. Every act of service strengthens the body of Christ.

• Start small: offer to stack chairs, care for children, or lend your skills.

• Serve as a way of loving others and building community.

• Discover your gifts as you serve in different ways, noticing how God has uniquely equipped you for His purposes—and humbly acknowledging what your gifts are not.

4. Promote Unity and Maturity

In a divided world, the church that builds each other up becomes a powerful testimony. We are called to protect the unity Christ has secured for us. We can

• Practice peacemaking by:

• Overlooking minor offenses (Prov. 19:11)

• Listening well, with grace and patience (James 1:19)

• Restoring gently when sin needs to be addressed (Gal. 6:1)

• Celebrate others’ growth:

• Reflect back to them where you see God’s hand at work

• Pray Scripture for them—and let them know

5. Live Out the Gospel Throughout the Week

The gospel is not just proclaimed with our lips at church but displayed in our daily lives. We can do this at home as we:

• Practice repentance and forgiveness daily with your family.

• Live faithful lives in the midst of the ordinary.

Or at work, we can

• Work with excellence and integrity (Col. 3:23).

• Treat others with patience, kindness, and grace—even when no one sees.

Faithfulness in small, unseen places plants seeds of gospel hope in the hearts of those around us. As we live shaped by His grace, we invite others to come and see the beauty of Christ.

Take One Step to Build the Church

Though there are many ideas in this post, pick just one area where you can focus today. Here are three micro steps to get you started:

1.     Fellowship: Set aside time this week to invite someone from church over for coffee or a meal.

2.     Prayer: Write down the names of three church leaders and commit to pray for them daily this week.

3.     Service: Find one small task to help with this Sunday—whether it's setting up, greeting, or offering a ride.

However you serve, remember that each action matters. Your role may be different than your pastor’s, but it is no less insignificant. When each of us steps into our part, the whole body grows together in love.

May we move forward in faithful participation, laboring together, trusting that Christ will use our small steps for His great work.