How do we know that church participation is an expectation for believers?

Scripture makes it clear that active participation in church life is an expectation for all believers. For instance, 1 Peter 4:10-11 states that each one has received a special gift and should employ it in serving others, highlighting that every member plays a crucial role in ministry. This becomes even more pronounced in the context of community worship, where passages like 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 1 Corinthians 14:26 affirm that gatherings are designed for each member to share their gifts and contribute to the edification of the church.

Furthermore, the early church exemplified this model of participation, as noted in the writings of church historians and theologians. The tendency in modern churches to centralize ministry around a few individuals contradicts the New Testament's pattern of shared responsibility. As believers recognize their identity as priesthoods in Christ (1 Peter 2:9), they should understand that their involvement and service are intrinsic to fulfilling their calling. Thus, the biblical expectation is clear: every believer is called to actively participate in the body of Christ.