Laity vs. Clergy

I have always contended for the elimination of the terms, "laity" and "clergy". Traditionally "clergy" refers to the professional ministers (pastors, missionaries, evangelists, etc.) and the term "laity" refers to the folks in the pews! Just a few weeks ago near 30 people traveled from the USA to Kenya with the International Center for Christian Leadership to minister to the people of Kisumu. Less than 10 of the team were "clergy" -- the rest were "laity". I look forward to the day --- from this day forward -- that we forever eliminate this distinction. Why? I watched ordinary -- that really isn't the right word -- but for lack of a better term -- "ordinary" -- special church people -- secretaries, road workers, nurses, teachers, homemakers, retirees -- come with us. In the afternoons, while some of the "clergy" ministered to the Pastors, the others went out on the streets -- laying hands on the sick -- praying and loving the people. Pictured above is a line up of our team in front of the people who had come forward in the open-air crusade for prayer....in minutes they went through the crowd - praying and believing -- and seeing God manifest Himself in signs and wonders. They might have come to Kenya feeling "ordinary", but they left one week later "super-ordinary". Three of our ladies visited a medical clinic -- only to come back reporting two people who were blind -- could now see!!! Now, that's supernatural stuff! Wow! You should have seen these precious saints loving the unlovely of Kenya -- late night ministry to prostitutes (as young as 12 years old) -- reaching out to street children hooked on glue sniffing ---It was life changing, both for the Kenyans and for our team!

Scripturally, there is no distinction between 'professional' preachers and lay people --- every child of God is called to be a "minister". If you feel you are just "ordinary" -- a member of the "laity" --- then I challenge you to re-think your position -- you are a minister! Come go with us next March, as ICCL returns to Kenya for another week of ministry. It will change your perspective. Check out the ministry web site in the near future for details: www. iccl-transformation.com

You can watch my web site for details as well: www.donrailey.com

You are called to be the "hands of Jesus" extended to the world around you.