top of page

Day 11: Produce Aisle Heroes

A couple of days ago, we looked at what some of the fruit of a Christian life should be in our everyday lives. These are the things that, if cultivated well, our lives can produce for the Kingdom of God. Yesterday we talked about the heroic nature of our calling to be the salt and light in a world in great need of the Gospel. Today we are going to look at some roles that God has gifted us for and called us to within the body of believers. 

                  

There is an awesome challenge from scripture where the writer tells us that we need to pretty much grow up and put on our big boy and big girl pants and get to work for the kingdom. He tells us to get off the bottle, or the “milk” and graduate to the steak and potatoes, or ‘solid food.” 


Hebrews 5: 11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

This is a pretty stern rebuke to the Hebrews, and a great warning for us to become mature, impactful Christians for the kingdom! God doesn’t call us to remain in the spiritual cradle, but to grow into pillars of our church and community through our impact and Christlike example. 

                  

With that challenge, today I want to look at the roles within the Church that God is moving us into maturity for. He’s calling you and me to a Christian lifestyle of impact, don’t settle for less! Here are the roles that God is moving His people towards to build His church in our time:


Apostles

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11 

Role: Apostles are sent ones, often serving as church planters, pioneers, or leaders who establish and strengthen the foundation of the church. They oversee the expansion of God’s Kingdom, often with a broad, mission-oriented vision.

 

Prophets

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:10 

Role: Prophets receive and communicate divine revelation, offering encouragement, correction, and guidance to the church. Their role often involves helping others discern God’s will and calling the church back to righteousness.

 

Evangelists

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11

Role: Evangelists are focused on proclaiming the gospel and leading others to faith in Christ. They have a deep passion for sharing the message of salvation and equipping others to do the same.

 

Pastors (Shepherds)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11

Role: Pastors are spiritual shepherds who care for and nurture the flock (the church). They guide, teach, counsel, and protect the congregation, ensuring spiritual growth and maturity.

 

Teachers

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28

Role: Teachers have the gift of explaining and applying God’s Word in a way that builds understanding and maturity in believers. They are instrumental in helping others grow in their knowledge of Scripture and their walk with God.

 

Leaders and Administrators

Scripture: Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 12:28

Role: Leaders and administrators organize and manage church activities, ensuring that the body functions effectively. Their gifts enable the church to remain orderly and focused on its mission.

 

Helpers and Servants

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:7

Role: Helpers have the gift of serving others in practical ways. They assist in the daily work of the church, providing support to ministries and meeting needs behind the scenes.

 

Encouragers

Scripture: Romans 12:8

Role: Encouragers strengthen others by offering hope, motivation, and affirmation. They help the church remain focused and energized, especially in times of difficulty.

 

Givers

Scripture: Romans 12:8

Role: Those with the gift of giving are generous with their resources, finances, or time to support the mission of the church and meet the needs of others.

 

Mercy Workers

Scripture: Romans 12:8

Role: Mercy workers display compassion and empathy to those in need, especially the hurting, marginalized, or broken. Their ministry reflects the heart of God’s love and care.

 

The Body as a Whole

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Role: Paul emphasizes that every believer has a unique role within the Body of Christ. Just as the physical body has many parts (eyes, hands, feet), the church operates as a unified whole with diverse gifts and functions. No role is insignificant, and all work together for the common good.


Intercessors

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Role: Though not explicitly named as a “role,” intercessors are those who devote themselves to prayer, standing in the gap for others, seeking God’s will, and battling spiritually on behalf of the church and the world.


Missionaries

Scripture: Acts 13:2-3 (Paul and Barnabas sent as missionaries); Romans 15:20

Role: Similar to apostles, missionaries take the gospel to new regions and unreached people, often serving cross-culturally and advancing the Kingdom of God in challenging environments.

 

Healers

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:9

Role: Those with the gift of healing minister physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration through the power of the Holy Spirit, often revealing God’s compassion and authority.

 

Wise Counselors

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:8

Role: Wise counselors help the church make God-honoring decisions by offering Spirit-led wisdom, insight, and discernment.


I tell you what, that is a comprehensive list that God has given every healthy church in the world to see His kingdom built and their communities experience the love of Christ. Our church is no different, God has gifted and called each one of us to fill these roles to see His kingdom expand. The question is, will we do it?

                  

In the world of economics there is something called the Pareto Principle named after an Italian economist in the 19th century. This principle states that 80 percent of the outcome is a result of 20 percent of the causes. Meaning that 20 percent of the people produce 80 percent of the results. Church leadership books will tell you that is the reality in our churches repeatedly. Whether it is the financing of the Kingdom through tithes, or the work within the church body, it will be 20 percent of the body that produces 80 percent of the production. 

                  

We are not called to be an 80/20 congregation. Every person reading these words has a call on their life to fill a role (become a hero) and produce fruit for the kingdom of God. If we want to see this church reach its redemptive potential for the Kingdom, to see our families become families of faith, to see our community become a safe and successful community, we need everyone walking in their calling. Every one of us is vital. From the counselors to the apostles, God wants to use every one of us to be heroes of the faith! 

                  

Today, let’s survey if we have found and are active in our calling. Maybe there will be some repentance necessary, but God is always ready for us to take the next steps in our faith. Let’s pray that God would reveal our roles, and for the strength to fill those roles. Don’t settle for an 80/20 church. Let’s see what a high percentage workforce can do for the kingdom! Let’s be a steak and potatoes congregation who produces fruit like never before. God has called us to be a produce aisle built by heroes of the faith! 

bottom of page