Here’s just some of the New Testament imperatives about our gatherings as the church being participatory, with ministry one to another out of the diverse gifts God distributes among us …

Rather than ministry by the “one.”

These are not merely descriptive, but Biblical mandates.

“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” 1 Cor 14:26

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Heb 10:24-25

Leaders in the church do not have a monopoly on ministry, but instead are “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ …” Eph 4:12

We are not to be the church based on “human cunning… Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Eph 4:14-16