The ministry of the Gospel is a team effort. Participation from every church member is required. The early church leadership never saw themselves as individualists or independent laborers. Initiative was taken, but almost always with the full support of the rest of the believers.

Paul and Barnabas did not begin their missionary endeavors on their own. Responding to the direction of the Holy Spirit, the church at Antioch sent them into the world “for the work” of the Lord (Acts 13:1-3). They then returned and reported to the church “all things that God had done” through them (Acts 14:26-27). Thus began a wonderful participation in delivering the Gospel to the world.

This pattern of partnership can be just as fruitful today. God made believers so that they need each other. The church is not an unrelated collection of individuals; it is a corporate organism. Everyone is necessary for the church to function properly. “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good… For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:7-14).

The organizational structure of the church should not interfere with full partnership and participation. Organization, of course, is necessary, but it should never stifle the spiritual life of the church. Total partnership will produce a stronger witness of Christianity in your community. Everyone must utilize the gifts and talents given by God in order for the body of Christ to accomplish the tasks, “which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10).

It is a great privilege to “rub shoulders” with the national missionaries of Slavic Missionary Service. Their dedication and desire to magnify the majestic name of Christ is simply amazing. With social, economic and spiritual problems abounding, our missionaries have cemented themselves firmly upon the rock Christ Jesus and will not allow any of these circumstances to corrupt, cripple or circumvent their commitment to the Creator.

Lift to God a steady flow of prayer for these national workers, as well as the local missionaries of SMS. Ask God to draw listeners by the Holy Spirit to hear His Word in churches, small groups and Bible studies. Pray that every activity will point men to the cross of Christ and that believers will “increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men” (1 Thessalonians 3:12).