Breaking Bad

By Erin Bird

So my title for this blog post is obviously inspired by the hit TV show. Unfortunately, I have yet to see an episode (I hope to remedy that, but I fear my schedule will keep that from happening for a while...).

But while Walter, the lead character in the show, began to "break" and turn bad, I want to talk about a different kind of bad that I think needs broken.

And this "bad" is found in the church...

Breaking Bad Church Practice

A really bad practice has slipped into the American church. What is this "bad?" Many churches today are "run" by the pastors or the staff. You know... the "professionals."

But according to Paul in Ephesians 4:11-12, this bad practice needs to be broken. Look at what Paul says:

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up [the church,] the body of Christ."

Notice that Paul doesn't say the "professionals" are to be doing the ministry. He says ALL Jesus-followers (aka the saints) are supposed to be doing the ministry! Pastors, like me, are merely supposed to be equipping YOU to do the ministry.

So where do you need to be in ministry?

• Do you love kids? Then get involved with Kids Creek!
• Love people? Then offer to greet at the door.
• Are you techie? Then help out with sound or projection on Sundays.
• Love to bake? Then sign-up to bring treats.

But ministry is so much more than Sundays:

• Serve in a Growth Group by bringing the snack or offering to host.
• Invite someone from Riverwood over for dinner or maybe invite a neighbor.
• Call or text a different friend each week just to check in on them and let them know you are thinking of 'em.
• Help start a new Growth Group or Fight Club.

The point is, God has gifted YOU and wants to equip YOU to do the ministry! So if you are a part of the Riverwood family, help us break this bad church practice and make Riverwood truly BE the church.