Are You A Spiritual Levite?
The Calling of the New Testament Church Congregation
by
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So many books have been written and so many opinions given about the responsibilities a pastor owes to his church and congregation. So many members of the laity have opinions about what a pastor is supposed to do or not do for his congregation, and what it takes to be a good pastor. But have you ever engaged in a discussion or even asked yourself what your responsibility is as a member of the congregation? Have you ever asked yourself what your responsibilities are to your spiritual leaders? While you were critiquing this or that pastor and first lady, did you ever stop to critique yourself, congregation member?
Perhaps some of you were members of a church whose pastor or first lady fell from grace, or left the ministry and church due to exhaustion or disgust. Now, while you were pointing fingers at them, “tsk-tsking” and wondering how they could have ”abandoned” you, did you ever ask if you had done all you could have to prevent this tragedy from happening? Did you ever wonder if you were the reason they left the ministry in disgust, frustration, or with a feeling of failure?
On the other hand, some of you are blessed to have God-chosen pastors who have not fallen from grace or worn themselves out. Some of you have leaders who are still on the battlefield for the Lord, still holding high the banner of HOLINESS as well as living it. Praise God for that; it is a great blessing. But are you doing what you need to do to ensure that your pastor and first lady do not fall victim to the wiles and snares of the devil? Are you doing what you need to do to guard their backs while they watch for your souls? Some of you have already quickly answered with a resounding “YES!” without giving it much thought. After all, you do volunteer to serve on some church committee or auxiliary.
BUT
• Is mere membership on an auxiliary all that is necessary?
• Does God only expect you to have your “name on the roll” as a member of the congregation, with a member number for the offering envelope?
• Is there more you should be doing?
• Is there more you should be?
• Does God require more of you?
• Are you performing your duties in the church as God says you should?
• Are you serving with the right attitude and for the right reasons?
• Do you know the Biblical reason you are suppose to work in the church?
• Are you a help or a hindrance to your pastor?
• Are you a joy or grief to your pastor and first lady?
• Is your service a sweet savor offered up to God, or merely an empty activity and a foul smell in the nostrils of God?
I’m just asking.
This book is for the members of the church congregation to consider their roles and responsibilities to their pastor, as members of the congregation. The focus is on the flock your pastor has been commanded to lead. The focus is on the individuals whose souls have been given to your pastor to shepherd and keep safe along this Christian journey. This book is for those in the church who have a mind and heart’s desire to work with their pastor and not against their pastor. If this is you, you need to read this book. Pray that God speaks to you as you read it. Don’t rush to give this book to your pastor or first lady to read. You read it yourself. This one’s for you!
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About the Book
Many Christians would readily agree that the pastor of a local church has specific religious responsibilities, duties, and obligations owed to the members of his church. Such responsibilities easily can be found in Holy Scripture and are often a favorite topic of discussion among clergy and laity members. However as a member of the congregation of your local church, as one who is not the pastor, have you ever pondered what might be your religious responsibilities, duties, and obligations, owed to your pastor according to Holy Scripture? What does the Word of God require of you as you rely on your pastor to shepherd the congregation and watch over your eternal souls? How does your service in the house of God measure up to the service God required of the Levites of the Old Testament? Is there a place or call for Levitical service in the New Testament Church?
These are some of the questions presented in Are You A Spiritual Levite?: The Calling of the New Testament Church Congregation. The book explores the purpose of the Levitical order established by God and the responsibilities and historical relationship the Levites had toward the high priest. This is a query for New Testament congregations to consider their purposes as members of their local church and to measure the quality of their service to their pastor, to their church, and to God against the Word of God.
About the Author
Donna M. Canada is a committed and submitted Christian, who has been saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost for over thirty years. She has been an active and well-planted member of a dynamic church for twenty-five years and serves in many capacities, including intercessor, in usher ministry, in choir ministry, on the building cleaning team, as a kitchen and hospitality staff member, as a volunteer and supporter of the church’s Kindergarten through twelfth grade academic academy, and as a worker for certain annual special events sponsored by the church.
Even when she formerly worked in the secular employment field as a social worker and a trial attorney, Donna’s primary position was that of a Christian and servant of the Lord. Her consistent stance on the purpose of her life is, “Whatever I do, I do as to the Lord, for His glory.”
Donna currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.