Although mutual ministry operates on the basis that all baptized persons are gifted in some manner and are called at baptism to use their God-given gifts, gifts are enhanced and strengthened by training and use. Just as an accomplished violinist must practice regularly to improve and grow his or her gift, we must nurture and grow our own gifts. If we truly are called and gifted in a particular manner, we also want to receive the special training and support that will allow us to use our gifts wisely and well. We do not want to hide or limit our gifts but want them to “shine” and be used for the benefit of ourselves and others. In the words of Matthew 5:15, “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.” In short, we must allow our gifts to shine and give light to the world.
It is no different for mutual ministry and our respective calls to service. Although we have specific individual calls and gifts, the focus of mutual ministry is the greater community, including the local church, the Church, and the world. Thus, mutual ministry is not about you, me, or anyone else. Instead, mutual ministry is for and about the congregation and the wider community. Our culture values training and preparation. Churches need trained ministers (both lay and ordained) to lead and minister within the church and the community. Visitors and prospective members need to have confidence that the mutual ministry team members know what they are doing and that the team’s members will guide and lead the congregation (as well as represent it) effectively. The congregation invests in mutual ministry and its mutual ministry team members; those called to serve invest in themselves and in the congregation by tapping into “the wisdom of the ages” through study and training for being better equipped ministers of Christ in the world.
