How did the early church encourage participation of the “Priesthood of Believers”?
The scripture (1 Cor 14:26) says, that believer should participate in the meetings (“… each of you …”). In today’s church there is little or no mutual participation in the church gathering. The designated choir sings the songs led by their designated leader. The designated preacher gives a monologue sermon. Prayers are spoken by the designated “deacon” or “elder”. Perhaps there is allowed drama or “special music” by designated performers. The rest of the congregation might be able to sing a couple of hymns or choruses and maybe give an offering (but even its taken up by designated ushers!). In reality, many sit there in the pews and watch the “professionals” do all the ministry. This type of uninvolved spectator meeting is foreign to the church of the New Testament. Paul specifically said that when the church comes together everyone has something to share. From the least to the greatest, the church meeting was open to all who were led to participate. Each could pray, prophesy, teac
