Some people ask, “Can I be a Christian without working in the church?” It’s probably best to allow people to put their own question into perspective before someone else jumps up and answers. If you asked the question, then consider that being a Christian without serving in the church is something like:

• A student who won’t go to school.
• A soldier who won’t join an army.
• A citizen who doesn’t vote or pay his taxes.
• A salesman with no customers.
• An explorer with no base camp.
• A sailor on a ship without a crew.
• A businessman on a desert island.
• An author without readers.
• A trombone player without a band.
• A parent without a family.
• A football player without a team.
• A politician who refuses to meet people.
• A scientist who refuses to share his findings with others.

Does it make a difference if you work in the church? It doesn’t take a Solomon to figure out the answer to the question. Paul wrote, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). All members work to form a functioning body. Unfortunately, I’ve worshiped with members who wouldn’t do anything other than attend. There was no convincing them to volunteer for anything. They’re there, yes. But is it enough? If a Christian will only work within his or her local congregation, the body will be strong and vibrant.