The Church at Work

by Laura Springer, Th.M., Ph.D.

Consider: what does it mean to be church while you're shopping for groceries, hanging out at the beach, or in a meeting at work?

The priesthood of believers, described in 1 Peter 2, helps us answer that question. Take a moment to read verses 1 to 10.

The nature of our work. The church is called, equipped, and expected to function as a priesthood, carrying out this work by offering sacrifices of praise and service whether we are gathered or dispersed. Wherever we are and whatever we do, we have the responsibility to do the work of praising God and serving others.

The context of our work. We work, rest, and play in the midst of Jesus' Kingdom, for he is Creator and Lord of all, and he rules all. As the priesthood of believers, we are called to serve Jesus in the context of his redemptive reign, and to do so in ways that honor him and expand his Kingdom. Even now, Jesus is redeeming and delivering people from evil and invading the toppled realm of Satan, and we are called and equipped to partner with him.

The work of TFB. Our work as the priesthood of believers is our highest priority, and this priority has implications for our life together as TFB.

1.  Let us take our communal life seriously. Whether gathered as the church or dispersed into the dailies of life, we are his priesthood, offering the spiritual sacrifices of praise and service in the company of our siblings.

2. Let us take our unity seriously. We are one in Jesus by the Spirit, and our work as the priesthood of believers is not a matter of each alone but all as one. There is no place in the church for isolation or division Our love for one another is the most important piece of evidence that we belong to Jesus.

3. Let us decide and keep deciding to put Jesus and his Word first. We must be willing to follow Jesus into new paths, remaining ever willing to carry out TFB's priesthood in ways that may be very different than anything we've done before.

TFB has work to do in this world, and our corporate identity as the priesthood of believers summarizes that work. Let us decide together to put our shoulders to the work.