The church is an organism, not an organization. Like the human body, it reflects both unity and diversity.

The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, gave believers a diversity of spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving the Christian community. Every member of the body of Christ has been given at least one spiritual gift, which is evidence of the Spirit at work in his or her life.

Each spiritual gift is given for a common cause — that of building up the members of the Christian community. They are not to be used for selfish advantage.

Not everyone has the same gift. For instance, he gave some believers knowledge, others he gave wisdom for the purpose of making decisions or to choose proper courses of action. The Holy Spirit, in his sovereignty, determines which gift or gifts each believer should possess.

Church leaders should take care in using the gift that God has given them to his glory. This should especially be true in financial matters. It is imperative that not only God sees that we are faithful, dedicated and honest in use of the gifts that he has given us, but people should be able to see the same. If we should take our deacons of the local churches as an example, the congregation should also take notice that they carry on the Lord’s work in a proper, ethical and honest manner lest they become victims of disgraceful slander.

Every believer, who labors in a ministry, should be scrupulously aware of his or her vulnerability to criticism. For that reason, every worker from the pastor to the door keeper, should never become derelict in discharging his or her responsibility.

Do you desire to be more effective in the ministry that God has entrusted to you? If so, attend a workshop, which will be instrumental in helping you to effectively carry out your responsibilities as a leader in your local church.

This workshop is free to whomever desiring to attend and will be held Monday through Wednesday, April 20 to 22, at 7 p.m. nightly at the Greater Mount Bethel Baptist Church, 14 Parkway Drive, Stanton.

The facilitator for this workshop will be gifted, spiritually refined, avid pastor-teacher, the Rev. Charles Chandler, of the Harvest Baptist Church of Ferriday.

Come hear Pastor Chandler expound upon church administration and ask of him questions pertinent to your ministry. There is a treasure of blessings to be had.

For more information, contact me at Greater Mount Bethel Baptist Church, 601-42-0924 or 601-660-4403.

 The Rev. Johnny Elery is pastor of Greater Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Stanton.