Sermon

Who Is the Minister?

Theme

Every Christian is needed to do their part in the ministry of the Church.

Object

A stereo, a CD with orchestra music (I used the Superman soundtrack), a library book that shows musical instruments in an orchestra

Scripture

There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve but the same Lord to serve. And there are different ways that God works through people but the same God. God works in all of us in everything we do. Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NCV)

Today, we have a special treat. We’re going to listen to some music played by an orchestra. Who knows what an orchestra is? Well, an orchestra is a big band. There can be as many as 70 people playing over 20 different instruments! Let’s listen (play about a minute of the music). What kind of instruments did you hear? (Show them pictures of the instruments from the book) (Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp, etc.) (Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, French horn, Tuba, etc.) (Wind: Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon, etc.) (Percussion: Timpani, snare drum, triangles, cymbals, etc.) (Keyboard: Piano, xylophone, Glockenspiel, etc) So there are many people playing many different instruments. Do you think they have to work together? Do you think they need to know their part and do their part well? Do you think it took a lot of practice alone and together to make such beautiful music? The Church is like an orchestra, too. In the Church we have many people. And God has given every Christian special abilities to serve others. Like an orchestra we have to do our part and work together with others to get the work done that God has for us. So it’s important for you to know that a part of becoming more like Jesus is that we serve others alongside of other Christians. Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to know that my part in the Church is very important. Show me ways that I can serve others. Amen.