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THE EQUIPPING CHURCH

RECAPTURING GOD'S VISION FOR THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS

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DEAR PASTOR / MINISTRY LEADER

I know how difficult it can be to stay encouraged and find applicable ministry resources when you can barely stay above water due to the endless demands of serving in a local context. That is why I am on a mission to resource the local church. My heart is to provide resources to pastors and ministry leaders within their unique contexts so that they may, in turn, “equip the saints for the work of ministry for the building up of the body of Christ.”
[Ephesians 4:12] 


1 Peter 2:9 highlights that Christians have been made kings and priests – a royal priesthood – so that “we may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness,” which is the work of a prophet. The Holy Spirit equips every believer to be prophet, priest, and king – even if he or she lacks any specialized title as pastor, elder, or deacon. This is not to undermine the service of office-bearers. It is a proper elevation of the royal priesthood for the full functioning of the body of Christ. The proper functioning of the local church is essential to the mission of God and every member has a unique part to play within the body. 


Within this website I have provided resources that I hope are useful to you within your unique ministry context. Allow me to walk you through the the five-step process into exploring this website and accessing resources to equip the royal priesthood.


Scroll down to get started.

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STEP ONE

EXPLORE THE "TEN WAYS" DOCUMENTS

I invite you to start by reviewing the two “Ten Ways to Equip the Royal Priesthood” documents. There is one for corporate practices within the context of corporate worship, and there is another for personal practices for families to use at home.

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TEN WAYS -
CORPORATE PRACTICES

Below are just ten simple ways congregations can, as a corporate body of Christ (on Sundays or otherwise), remind believers of their baptismal identity as the royal priesthood, commissioned into loving service to God and humanity. Each idea has practical examples available for you to explore.

TEN WAYS -
PERSONAL PRACTICES

Below are just ten simple tools pastors and ministry leaders can commend to their congregations to use throughout the week to help remind themselves of their baptismal identity as the royal priesthood throughout the week.

STEP TWO

The Equipping Church Customizable PowerPoint

I firmly believe that the average member in the church has a very minimal knowledge and understanding of the royal priesthood. I believe the theological challenge of our day is one of ecclesiology: Believers lacking an understanding of their baptismal identity as the royal priesthood, commissioned into loving service to God and humanity. This resources is intended for pastors and ministry leaders to be able to customize and use for teaching within their own ministry context.

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STEP THREE

Review Dissertation

This website and all of its contents are part of my Doctor of Ministry Project. This 170-page paper is meant to serve as the foundation for this entire project.


Think of it this way – while all of the resources in this file are the “WHAT” and “HOW” of championing the royal priesthood of all believers, my paper serves as the foundational “WHY.”

Consider reviewing sections that seem applicable to your learning on this vital topic. 

Note: This paper was written with the denomination "The Christian Reformed Church of North America" (CRCNA) in mind. 

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STEP FOUR

Accessing Resources based on the "Ten Ways" Documents

Now that you have explored the two "Ten Ways" documents, reviewed the PowerPoint and the Dissertation, perhaps there were one or two ideas you would like more info on. The link below gives you access to the more than 200 resources geared toward equipping the royal priesthood.


By clicking below you will be directed to my email. Please put "Access Ten Ways Documents" in the header and I will give you viewing access to my Dropbox folder.

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STEP FIVE

Resource Sharing

Now that you have explored all of the available resources, would you join me on my mission to resource the local church?

Perhaps you have come across or developed resources that you would be willing to share. If so, I would love to hear from you.

Get in touch with Justin Carruthers to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.

Thanks for submitting!

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