Every Believer a Minister: Part 1 - Embracing the Priesthood of All Believers

In many churches, the work of ministry is often associated with pastors and professional ministers. The common mindset is that the congregation’s role is to sit, listen, and support the ministry of those called to lead. However, the New Testament paints a different picture of the church, where every believer has a vital role in the ministry of the gospel. This understanding is rooted in the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, a concept that revolutionizes how we view church life and ministry.

The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:9 (CSB), "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." This declaration is not limited to pastors or those in formal ministry positions—it applies to every Christian. As believers, we are all called to be priests, mediating between God and the broken world around us. 

The priesthood of all believers means that every member of the church is called to serve in ministry. It’s not just about doing the “work of the church” in the sense of programs and activities, but it’s about living out our roles as representatives of Christ. This truth shifts the focus from the pastor or church staff as the sole ministers to a collective effort where everyone is responsible for making disciples and advancing the kingdom of God.

The beauty of the priesthood of all believers is that it shifts the focus from a few pastors doing all the work to the entire church being on mission together. It’s about empowering everyone to live out their calling as ministers in the world, not just in the church. When we grasp this, our view of what church can be—and what it is called to do—expands in exciting ways. The ministry isn't something we watch, it's something we all participate in.