Letters to the Republic (3): Rethinking church ministry

By Terry MANTE

“The church must move away from the mentality that ministry belongs only to the pastor and embrace the biblical model of shared responsibility.” – Terry Mante

The church is not a one-man show; it is a vibrant community of believers, each with a role to play in the edification of the body of Christ.

Unfortunately, many congregations in Ghana have adopted a producer-consumer approach to ministry, where the pastor is seen as the sole source of spiritual nourishment while the congregation passively receives.

This model limits the effectiveness of the church and deprives members of the opportunity to grow and contribute meaningfully to the body of Christ.

Moving from consumption to participation

The church must move away from the mentality that ministry belongs only to the pastor and embrace the biblical model of shared responsibility. In 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul states, “When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” This verse underscores the idea that every believer has something to offer. The church is not meant to be an audience watching a performance but an engaged community where everyone contributes to mutual growth.

When believers are encouraged to participate, they develop a deeper sense of spiritual responsibility. A church filled with active participants is more dynamic and spiritually robust than one where only a few individuals carry the weight of ministry.

The idea that only the pastor has divine insight or spiritual authority contradicts the very essence of New Testament teachings. Every Christian is ministers in their own right, called to share in the work of the Gospel.

Empowering the congregation

To break free from the producer-consumer model, churches must actively encourage members to use their spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:11-12 makes it clear that the role of pastors, teachers, and other church leaders is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” This means that church leadership should focus not only on preaching but also on training and empowering believers to minister within and beyond the church walls.

Practical ways to do this include:

• Creating platforms for members to share teachings, testimonies, and insights.
• Encouraging active participation in prayer, evangelism, and discipleship.
• Developing mentorship programs where mature believers help younger ones grow in their faith.
• Offering training sessions on how to lead Bible studies, share the Gospel, and disciple others.
• Providing opportunities for members to serve in various capacities such as teaching, counseling, and outreach ministries.

Redefining church gatherings

Many church services in Ghana are structured in a way that promotes passivity rather than engagement. While order and structure are important, gatherings should be designed to facilitate active participation.

Bible studies, small groups, and interactive discussions should be prioritized alongside sermons to allow members to contribute and learn from one another. When believers are given space to express their gifts, the church becomes a thriving community rather than a spiritual marketplace.

Interactive services encourage spiritual growth and make church gatherings more impactful. A shift from the traditional “one-man preaching to many” model to a more interactive style fosters a culture of learning, accountability, and collaboration.

This could involve open discussions after sermons, question-and-answer sessions, or even rotating leadership within small groups. When people are actively involved, they are more likely to internalize and apply what they learn.

Community and accountability

A participatory church fosters stronger relationships and accountability among believers. When members are actively engaged, they develop a sense of ownership and commitment to the church’s mission.

Instead of relying solely on the pastor for spiritual guidance, members begin to disciple and support one another. This aligns with the New Testament model of the early church, where believers met regularly, shared their resources, and grew together in faith (Acts 2:42-47).

An engaged church also serves as a stronger support system for its members. Many people struggle silently with personal challenges because they feel disconnected from their faith community.

However, when the church operates as an interactive and connected body, members are more likely to open up, seek help, and receive support from fellow believers. This culture of mutual encouragement strengthens the entire church.

Breaking the celebrity pastor syndrome

Another harmful consequence of the producer-consumer model is the rise of the “celebrity pastor” syndrome, where all attention is centered on the leader rather than on Christ and the church as a collective body. When pastors are seen as the exclusive vessels of God’s wisdom, it can lead to unhealthy dependency, spiritual complacency, and in some cases, manipulation.

Pastors have a critical role to play in guiding and shepherding their congregations, but they should do so with the goal of raising mature, self-sufficient believers who can walk in their own faith.

Church leadership should actively discourage over-reliance on the pastor by constantly emphasizing the priesthood of all believers, as stated in 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Conclusion

The church in Ghana must shift from a producer-consumer approach to a collaborative, community-driven model of ministry. Every believer is called to contribute, and every gathering should be an opportunity for mutual edification.

The pastor’s role is not to be the sole minister but to equip and empower others to minister as well. When the church embraces this paradigm shift, it will become a stronger, more effective force for the Kingdom of God.

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About the author

Terry Mante is a thought leader whose expression as an author, corporate trainer, management consultant, and speaker provides challenge and inspiration to add value to organizations and position individuals to function effectively. He is the Principal Consultant of Terry Mante Exchange (TMX). Connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and TikTok @terrymante and www.terrymante.org.

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