The preacher stands at the pulpit, engrossed in a powerful message inspired by the Holy Spirit. Suddenly he announced, "my people, there is a separation here. This thing ought not to be so. We have here, two separate bodies. First, we have the congregation. Then we have the worship team, up here on the platform."

The people, a congregation of a hundred or so, fell quite. They listened for the preacher to continue.

"Has anyone ever noticed", asked the preacher, in a truly inquiring tone, "the worship leaders often seem happier and more spiritual than many of the members of the congregation?" Has anyone in here today ever assumed that I have a good judge of character, and that I have selected these people to lead us in worship, perhaps because of their spiritual integrity?"

The crowd remained in a solemn hush. Each eye glued to the preacher. Each ear eager to get to the bottom of this most peculiar change of pace. Has the preacher gone mad? Has he a word from the Lord?

The preacher straightened his tie. Deliberately taking his time, allowing this remarkable question sink into the hearts of those who have ears to hear, the preacher reached for his glass of water. After two or three long draws from his drinking glass, the preacher continued. "Brothers and sisters, do you honestly think that I hand picked these praise leaders? Do you think each of them sat in my office and was interviewed for the position?

"I have done no such thing. This church began with a few of us. We got together after church for coffee. We discussed what we got from the message. We done this sort of thing so much, that we grew. Eventually, we became this church, as we are today. You and I began this thing together. They are no different than you. They are the same in most human ways. We each go home to prepare for our families. We each frequent the restroom. Oh yes! We all stink in there!

"You see," the preacher went on. Dabbing his sweaty forehead with a cloth, the preacher continued..., "when we apply ourselves in a service to the Lord, to an action of some kind, we bring into existence a certain measure of faith. We usher in the presence of God. The more we are in His presence, the more transformation that occurs in our minds. This results in a closer walk with Him. We seem happier. We seem more spirtual, if you will.

"But this is not the point. The point is, there really ought not to even be a platform or a pulpit. There really ought not to be any distinction or difference between congregation and ministry team. We really ought to all gather in the center and lead each other in worship. We ought to come together in prayer, in worship, and in word. Sure, someone will speak. Peter spoke. Everyone received the cloven tongue... the rushing, mighty wind... the Holy Spirit. Some healed. Some preached. Some prophesized. Everyone drew close to God. About 120 in all. Now, that's a ministry team!"

As the preacher went on, the crowd began to grow excited. There was an aura about the place that seemed like hope, I mean real hope. The people began to worship God. The spirit came upon them like a rushing mighty wind... read more...

 

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