Sunday Morning Class - Roles in the Church
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this class on roles in the church, Larry Johnson reminded the congregation that the church's fundamental mission is threefold: to evangelize, edify, and glorify God. He challenged each member to consider how they could contribute to this mission over the course of the study series. Johnson presented an analogy comparing types of workers in the secular workplace to spiritual workers in God's kingdom. The first category—those who see what needs doing and do it—represents true leaders. The second category asks what needs to be done next. The third category only performs assigned tasks. The fourth category actively hides to avoid work and faces a life of frustration. Johnson posed the critical question: What kind of worker are you in God's kingdom? The class examined the motivation and mindset required to become a proactive, number-one worker for God. Johnson emphasized that trusting God—knowing that He sees our deeds and will reward them—is essential to maintaining faithful service. Drawing on Galatians 6:7-10, he explained that God is not mocked; whatever we sow, we will reap, though not necessarily immediately. He stressed that true service flows from love for God and others, not from seeking human recognition and approval. Johnson concluded that believers should pursue service driven by a desire to make others safer and more comfortable, viewing even humble tasks as work done for God Himself. Finally, Johnson outlined six practical steps for discovering one's talent and role in the church: recognizing a need, accepting stewardship, looking for role models, praying, seeking good counsel, and engaging in trial and error. He illustrated these principles through Esther's story, showing how she recognized the critical need of her people and, despite personal risk, accepted her role as an instrument of deliverance. The class encouraged every member to become an active, intentional contributor to God's work rather than a passive observer.
Key Scriptures
Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. The one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.