Pastors were originally—and ideally still are—simply a specific variation on that priesthood. In Willimon’s words, ordination is “but an elaboration or further implication of the pastor’s baptism.” But of course, the pastor isn’t the only person who is baptized—to my knowledge, everyone who currently regularly attends McKnight is also baptized.

If you look in each of the baptismal liturgies in our hymnal, you’ll see congregational responses that include these words: “With you we renew our vows to uphold the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service.” Newer printings include the words “and witness.” Those words all refer to our firm belief in the priesthood of all believers, which is an active role in Christian ministry.

Sometimes I think we as a church (not McKnight as a congregation, but we as a wider church, at least here in the U.S.) have allowed the business model to overtake us. We expect a CEO and many worker bees, but in fact it’s all simply variations in ministry. The question isn’t whether someone goes into ministry, but what kind of ministry each Christian will live.

So this week as we do all the chores and meet our obligations and care for our families and pets and loved ones, let’s do a little thinking about how we can reimagine our lives. We are baptized, and therefore we are already a part of the priesthood of all believers. How will you live out your ministry?

I’ll see you in church—

Becky

Prayer

Holy God,

You deserve our worship and our praise.

You have saved us,

And your love is persistent,

And our hearts are grateful.

Help us to remember

That you also call us—

That you have included us in your service.

Help us to see where in our lives

And where in our church

We can serve you.

Help us to live into ourselves,

The beloved and redeemed selves

Who are already included in the priesthood of believers.

However flawed we are, we are still

Both beloved and called. Amen.