The priesthood of all believers
I have recently been challenged in my thinking on this biblical concept especially in my role as pastor. I am often seen as, and can be led to think of myself as, the lead person in the work of the church here at Rincon Mountain. And in some ways I am the lead person. As I pray and read and think about the work of the church and the roles of all the believers, I have been called to discern God’s vision for us and to cast that vision among the body. As one who has been specifically trained for teaching and preaching the word of God, I am to lead by example and in instruction.
But my leading in these ways necessitates following or followers. Pastor Luke and I are no different than the rest of the body in that we are all to be making disciples. This calling is common to all in the church. We are all to make disciples as we all prayerfully speak the word of God to those around us. This is the truest sense of the priesthood of all believers. We have all been set aside to live holy lives and we do this as we all grow in discipleship. I need to feed on the word of God as I study it and as I hear it taught and preached. As I grow I become a better disciple and I am better equipped to engage those around me by prayerfully speaking the word of God to them.
We are all part of the same mission team, equipping each other in the word of God in order to better engage each other and the world with the the word of God.
