AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question Hello. My name is James. My church interprets Mat 28:19-20 as saying that there is only one role for each member, that each member is commanded to be actively involved in evangelism and making disciples through teaching the Bible. In view of 1Co 12:29ff, Ro 12:4ff, Eph 4:11ff and similar passages, do you find this interpretation to be consistent with what the Bible teaches? If it is not consistent, then how should Mat 28:19 be applied?
Answer Hi James,
Thank you for your interesting, if unusual, question. May I begin by pointing out that I am not here to criticise the particular standpoint of any individual fellowship/denomination as I would often be unaware of the context in which such teaching is placed. However, I am happy to share some thoughts on the passages that you mention.
The Great Commission (Matt.28:19-20, but always remember v.18!) is of paramount importance. This is the command of Jesus to the Church (i.e. the universal body of true believers) to share the message of salvation with the whole world, baptising those who respond positively to that message, and teaching them all that they need to know to live the Christian life to the full. However, even this seminal passage must be read in the light of other Scripture. So, when I turn to Acts 1:8, I read that Jesus also said that the disciples (then and now!) were to be “witnesses”. This, I understand, as being those who share what they have experienced at a personal level. By this I mean that, in, certainly, a British court of law a witness is only permitted to testify to what he has personally seen or heard (cf. I Jn.1:1). Anything else is not permissible. And a witness may be good or bad. In other words, and in the Christian context, every believer is a witness, whether we like the idea or not; and others are “reading” our testimony by our actions as well as by our words – whether that makes us good witnesses or bad ones!
The other passages to which you make reference are, as it were, the other side of the coin. What Paul, under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, is saying is that we all have certain gifts and/or functions within the Church. Your gifting and/or function will probably be different from mine, but they will be complementary as it is the same Spirit Who provides both – “… just as He determines.” (I Cor.12:11).
To summarise – all are, indeed, commanded to be involved in the work of extending the Kingdom of God (Matt.28:19-20); but each is gifted in a different way (or in different ways – there is nowhere, of which I am aware, that suggests that we must only have a single gift). I would also add that God the Holy Spirit, in His sovereign will and for His own eternal purposes, may grant me a particular gift at one period in my life, and a different one at another time!
I trust that this will have been of some assistance to you.
