I remember being in jail years ago, visiting a dozen men who had become one of the many relational participatory churches I helped start there.

For several months, I and others had poured our lives out for them through intense discipleship.

Most were brand-new believers, and from this, a church had emerged in their housing unit.

This time, as I joined them, I sat quietly and watched as they gathered and engaged in powerful ministry to one another, just like I had taught them.

After nearly two hours, they suddenly stopped, saying that after all I had done for them they had decided earlier that week to do something for me.

They then gathered around me, laid hands on me, and began to pray the most wonderful, tender prayers of blessing over me that I have ever heard.

I wept as I realized what was happening, because they had learned – maybe some of them for the first time in their lives – to give rather than always take or receive.

After months of mentoring them on being the church – rather than settling for spectator church services being done for them – they now understood the difference and wonderful life was flowing between them and from them …

And even to me!

By being willing to gather as the multi-gifted, multi-functional, multi-part Body of Christ, they had learned to become participants rather than spectators;

To use their gifts rather than being entertained by the gifted;

To minister to each other rather than always expecting to be ministered to;

And most of all, to give rather than always receive.

This represents new pastures for many old, “established” Christians, because it’s so different from what we’re used to.

And yes, it means some of us old fogies need to leave our comfort zones behind.

It means also being vulnerable, and yes, it means embracing change as we trust God and what the New Testament actually teaches about being the church.

But I am here to tell you that when we do, He will lead us to rich, green grass and still, cool waters.

We only need to listen and follow His voice.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul …”