Everyone Gets to Play (Rev. Kim DuBreuil)
Have you ever bought a car?
Traditionally, you’d visit several dealerships, test drive different cars, and negotiate prices. Today, you search online, find what meets your specifications, and either test drive or deliver the car to your door. We now shop online for almost everything, and churches are no different.
“Clicks lead to bricks.” Online interests lead to real-world engagement. Some of you may have found this church after visiting others, but many likely searched online, looking at our pictures, worship videos, and programs before attending in person.
The Church must leverage these powerful online experiences alongside Biblical accounts to motivate people to act.
The disciples of Jesus were in an upper room when a “violent wind” filled the house, and they “received the power” of the Holy Spirit. This enabled them to speak different languages, showing God’s Spirit and reaching every person gathered in Jerusalem for the annual festival of Pentecost. This phenomenon amazed visitors, and they asked, “What does this mean?”
Fast-forward to around 60 CE, when the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians about the importance of spiritual experiences. He emphasized that such experiences motivate individuals to engage with the Church community, just as the disciples did at Pentecost.
Drawing from Pentecost and Paul’s teachings, the Church can create profound and relatable experiences that inspire individuals to move from online exploration to active participation within the Church.
Let’s explore Ephesians 4:1-16, where Paul answers, “What does this mean?”
Ephesians 4:1-16:
I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: 4 there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Paul explains the “supernatural gift” of the Holy Spirit:
7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore, it is said, “When he ascended on high, he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people.”
9 (When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended – is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens so that he might fill all things.)
Pentecost was a day with many facets, yet Jesus gave us grace through the Holy Spirit to “fill” each person with a “spirit-filled” gift. Ephesians 4 tells us how God “wires” us to become like Jesus Christ.
Paul continues in verses 11-12: He, [Christ], himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors [shepherds] and teachers 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
What does it mean? Those who live in and believe in Christ are promised the Holy Spirit. Then Paul explains what that looks like in verses 14 -16
14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”
Don’t miss this critical point. Those who live in and believe in Jesus Christ are filled with the Holy Spirit and are gifted to grow the Church and build one another up in love.
Why don’t we recognize our full potential? Often, we don’t feel worthy or believe we have something unique to offer. Years ago, I sat here feeling the same, questioning if I could preach the Word of God, comparing myself to a man I heard at a revival in Tampa. That man was Billy Graham.
I was a young mother with a three-year-old. Even though I graduated with a degree in speech communication, I didn’t feel “good enough” to stand before people and share a message about Jesus. I didn’t feel worthy – that’s exactly what I thought!
Scripture tells us differently. We are tossed by the lies we hear from our critics and the lies we tell ourselves. It took me years to recognize that I AM Worthy – for here I AM! And so are YOU!
The Odyssey is an ancient poem attributed to Homer. This story is about a Greek hero, Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, who journeys far from home after the Trojan War. You know, the war in which Brad Pitt plays Achilles in the movie Troy. Yeah, that war. Odysseus journeys from Troy to Ithaca through Africa and southern Europe ten years after the Trojan War. He faces many perils, and his crewmates are killed; his family assumes that he is dead, too. Yet despite all that he has been through, he returns home.
The Odyssey’s theme of homecoming and wandering parallels our spiritual journey. Who am I? What is my purpose?
These questions test our identity and loyalty, bringing us closer to our true selves. So why don’t we feel worthy of God’s calling? Many of us wander to find it. Perhaps you, like me, have eventually realize you are called by God here and now.
Our identity and purpose come from recognizing God’s call in the present. “For such a time as this,” God has placed you here. We each receive a gift from the Holy Spirit when we live in and believe in Christ. The New Testament doctrine of ministry, established by Jesus, is for all believers. Everyone gets to play.
It can take years of wandering and searching until you finally realize that the Holy Spirit offers each of us a sealed envelope—like the one at the Academy of Awards. The winner is… and they read your name… and then you share your gift with the world.
Jesus gave us a fivefold Spirit-filled model: apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Together, clergy and laity, we become the church Jesus intended, where Everyone gets to play.
Looking at the early church (or any movement throughout history), everyone has a significant part in the whole movement. One person doesn’t win the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Series, World Cup, or NBA Finals. Nor does a single individual win the Oscar, Masters, or US Open. It takes not only the player but also the coach(s), trainer(s), event organizers, financiers, and lots and lots of people.
When you finally stop test-driving all the other options out there and settle down into the place or church that feels right for you, the Holy Spirit invites you to come and play with us. Everyone working together will grow the Church, but more importantly, you will grow a deeper relationship with God, one another, and personally.
So, how do we each play a part in the church? By embracing our Spirit-filled gifts and working together, as Paul tells us, “To each one of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”
Many churches traditionally operate with the gifts of pastoring and teaching, struggling to keep their doors open. By ignoring the other three gifts, we lose our capacity to be the Church and make disciples of Jesus Christ, to change the world. Jesus distributed gifts through the Holy Spirit so that everyone gets to play! If it sounds like being “a pest,” it’s intentional.
APEST stands for apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Years ago, I enjoyed hearing Alan Hirsch teach in person on APEST from his book 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ. Let’s see which one of the APEST gifts resonates most with you.
The Apostle is “one who is sent and extends.”
“Apostle” is used 80 times in the New Testament. An Apostle is responsible for activating, developing, and protecting the Church’s mission. Do you often find yourself in the role of an influencer or entrepreneur? Notable historical and contemporary figures with apostolic traits include Joan of Arc and Steve Jobs. Individuals with apostolic inclinations often pursue business, politics, and innovation careers.
Apostles see God as the source of all things – the origin of all existence, designer, and creator. Are you an apostle?
The Prophet is “one who questions and reforms.” The word “Prophet” is used 800 times in Scripture (150 times in the New Testament). Prophets understand what truth needs to be emphasized and question the status quo. They easily recognize the gaps between “what is” and “what should be.”
Prophets are actively involved globally, engaging directly with people and situations. They are visionaries and advocates like Mahatma Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt. They are drawn to disciplines such as the arts, psychology, politics, humanitarian work, ethics, and environmentalism.
Prophets perceive God as a constant, trustworthy, and loyal presence. Do you resonate with the role of a modern-day prophet?
The Evangelist is “one who recruits and gathers.” Evangelists joyfully communicate the message of Jesus, convincing others to join the cause. The word “evangelist” appears only three times: Acts 21:8, 2 Timothy 4:5, and Ephesians 4. Evangelists enjoy meeting new people and helping them get involved in the church or organization. They include Oprah Winfrey and Billy Graham. Their focus is Media and Communication, Charismatic Leadership, Business, Politics, Advertising, and Marketing.
Evangelists see God as a savior and redeemer. Are you an Evangelist?
The Shepherd or Pastor is the “one who protects and provides.” Shepherd is used around 40 times in the Bible and 23 times in the New Testament (think Psalm 23, The Lord is My Shepherd). The Shepherd/Pastor cares for the community, ensuring safety and love within the church. They are sensitive to the feelings of people who are hurting or alone, and they are drawn to nurture the spiritual and communal health of the church. Shepherds are caregivers, servants, selfless healers, and peacemakers like Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. They work in Medicine, Family, Psychology, and Community Development and are First Responders.
Shepherds see God as a comforter, compassionate, and divine parent. Are you Shepherd?
The Teacher is “one who understands and explains.” The word teacher is used 129 times in the New Testament. Teachers find great satisfaction in helping people to learn truth and wisdom. They are philosophers and guides like Socrates, Albert Einstein, and the fictional Star Wars character – Master Yoda.
Teachers ensure the truths of Scripture are passed along from generation to generation and understand God’s infinite truth and wisdom. Are you a teacher?
Which gift do you believe God wired you for?
And now, my dear friends, as we come to the most profound point of all: Only Jesus Christ held all five gifts. As the Church, we cannot expect any leader to manifest all these gifts individually. We are not individual saviors; together, we are better, gifted to change the world.
You are worthy and fit precisely where you are right now! We fit together like intricate Lego pieces of a divine design. I invite you this week to reflect on how the Spirit has gifted you.
Live in and believe in Jesus Christ and be Spirit-filled. You are enough, and you are worthy. This church becomes healthier and more vibrant when “all of us come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of the fullness of Christ.”
Each of us brings something unique to the table, and that means
Everyone gets to play! So, let’s step forward together, in unity and faith, to make the world a better place with the gifts we’ve been given. Together, let’s embody the love and grace of Jesus Christ and transform our community for God’s glory. A church where everyone gets to play.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for the unique gifts and talents you have given us. Help us recognize and embrace these gifts to serve one another and glorify your name. Inspire us to unite, support one another, and grow in faith and love.
Remind us daily that we are enough and worthy, and each has a role to play in Your kingdom. Help us be bold in our actions and step forward with courage, knowing that “Everyone gets to play.” Empower us to positively impact the world, be a light in the darkness, and spread Your love and grace wherever we go.
We pray this in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.