Many point to the megachurches of our era as the superstars of our faith movement. The average megachurch will usually run more than one thousand in attendance each week. These churches fall in the categories of multimillion dollar budgets, multistaff ministries, expansive programming, and an international reach. These churches are important to God’s reign and provide great ministry throughout the world.
However, the average US church has about seventy-five to one hundred people in attendance each week. These smaller congregations meet weekly, dutifully living out the Great Commission in their own right. All vital congregations minis- ter faithfully, serve responsibly, worship creatively, and share obediently.
Paul suggests that the members of the church at Rome “be transformed” by the renewing of their minds. Christians, when shaped by the gospel of Jesus Christ, change the way they think. Behavior follows thinking. Paul also reminds the members of the richness of their congregation. He does this in the context of serving obediently, living humbly, and sharing freely. Paul notes the spiritual gifts at work in their church. He does not rank these or emphasize one gift more than the others. Paul encourages the Roman Christians to use their giftedness to become more of what they already are. Paul speaks in gen- eralities concerning the gifts. While understanding the gifts is important, putting these gifts to use is much more important!
How has God gifted you? How are you using your gifts in your church and community? Are you more about “knowing” God’s gifts or “using” God’s gifts? What shifts might you need to make? How have you conformed to this world? What transfor- mation are you seeking today by your renewal in Christ?