In the last post I explained how believers have no need for a special priesthood to stand between them and God and how all believers are priests through being united with Jesus. If this is our belief then it must have practical implications in the worshipping and teaching life of the church (you may want to add ‘and sacramental life’).

All believers are, therefore, able to share in the functions of a worship service. In theory there should no bar on anyone who is a good, healthy relationship with Jesus and with their fellow believers to take full part in any aspect of the service. In terms of their standing in Christ all are of equal value before God and in the church – and they need no special ordination by any other specially ordained person (i.e. bishop) to participate fully in that time of worship.

You will have noticed that I have used the words ‘in theory’. Handy little caveat that one! But there are, of course, practical issues that may stop a person from doing certain things. An individual may not have the confidence needed to take a public role and so may choose not to take part publicly. It may good to have someone who has taken time to study theology, biblical interpretation and so on to do regular in-depth teaching for the church – though it has to be said that we all have our experiences of God and we all have an ability to draw truth from the Bible that would be valuable to share. It may also be worthwhile to have someone with some musical skill – or at least an ability to sing in tune – to lead a time of worship in song. There will be other practical things to take into account.

Of course, Scripture teaches that there are a number of gifts that could be used within a congregational worship setting – gifts that depend on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit rather than any training or special ordination. This again is an example of the common priesthood within the church.