Why is mutual participation important in church services?

The New Testament teaches that church gatherings should be a time for mutual edification where all believers actively participate. Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 12:7 and Ephesians 4:16 point to the necessity of each member contributing their spiritual gifts for the common good. When church services focus solely on the pastor, they often create a spectator mentality among congregants, undermining the biblical call for every Christian to be a minister. Churches must return to this model of mutual encouragement to fulfill the ministry of the body of Christ effectively.