Understanding Lay Person: Ordinary Believers in Scripture

What is a Lay Person?

The term 'lay person' in Christian tradition describes a member of the faith community who is not part of the ordained clergy.

In the New Testament, lay persons are distinguished from those with specific leadership roles, such as elders or pastors, who are entrusted with teaching and governance (1 Timothy 5:17-18). This passage highlights that those who 'preside well' or 'labor in preaching and teaching' receive special recognition, while others contribute through different forms of service. Though the phrase 'lay person' does not appear in Scripture, the concept reflects the biblical recognition of diverse roles within the church.

This distinction underscores the value of both ordained and non ordained ministries, emphasizing that all believers are called to participate in the body of Christ through their gifts. The next section will explore how these roles intersect in practical Christian living.

The Biblical Role of Lay People

Scripture affirms the vital role of lay people in the church’s mission and worship.

1 Peter 2:9 describes all believers as a 'holy priesthood' called to proclaim God’s excellencies, emphasizing that spiritual service is not confined to clergy but shared by the entire community. In Acts 2:42-47, the early church’s practices - such as devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer - illustrate lay participation in foundational communal activities. These passages highlight that lay people are entrusted with responsibilities like discipleship, service, and maintaining the body of Christ. Their contributions are essential to the church’s witness and growth, reflecting a shared calling rather than a hierarchical division.

Lay people’s responsibilities include active service in spiritual and practical matters, as seen in the early church’s communal living and shared commitment to Christ. These roles are rooted in the scriptural principle that all believers are called to embody and advance God’s kingdom together.

How to Read Lay Persons Correctly

The biblical term 'lay person' should not be interpreted as implying lesser spiritual value or passivity in the community.

In historical and cultural context, 'lay' roles often emphasized shared responsibility and mutual dependence rather than hierarchy. For instance, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 uses the metaphor of the body to illustrate that all members - whether seen as 'spiritual' or not - are essential for unity and function. The passage declares, 'Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it’ (v. 27), affirming that both leadership and lay roles derive their significance from Christ’s design.

This passage challenges the misconception that lay people are secondary. It underscores their irreplaceable role in the church’s mission. Understanding this helps modern readers appreciate how diverse gifts, as outlined in the next section, collectively build up the body of Christ.

Going Deeper

To better understand the role of lay people in the church, consider how Scripture outlines shared responsibilities between leaders and the broader community.

Ephesians 4:11-12 explains that Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for ministry, emphasizing that lay people are called to active service under spiritual leadership. Similarly, Matthew 28:19-20 (the Great Commission) charges all believers - lay and ordained alike - to make disciples of all nations, reflecting a shared mission rather than a clergy-exclusive duty.