MIS85-2

“Why do people think that I am not “using my gifts” in the worship of God if my church doesn’t let women preach or sing solos? Do I have to perform in a church service in order to participate in it? Do performers grow in grace more strongly than participators? It seemed to me, that in worship, God wanted me to sit down, shut up, and listen—so that I could go and use my gifts out there in the world. It did not occur to me that God wanted me to show off or bring attention to myself.” (p. 86)

Reading: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”—Ephesians 4:11-12

Selections from The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield (Pittsburgh: Crown & Covenant, 2012). Used with permission.