One of the challenges in ministry is balancing the need to create a sense of belonging with ensuring spiritual readiness when involving people in church activities. While giving individuals responsibilities can foster connection and purpose, it can also lead to unintended consequences if handled without wisdom.

The deeper question is this:

Are we drawing people into the Kingdom of God or merely giving them a place in a community that reflects the kingdom of self?

True discipleship must prioritize spiritual transformation and alignment with God’s Kingdom, not merely keeping people connected through activity. Let’s explore this concept and examine the potential pitfalls, biblical principles, and practical solutions for involving people in ways that align with God’s purposes.

Belonging: Kingdom of God vs Kingdom of Self

Belonging is an inherent part of discipleship. When people become part of the Kingdom of God, they find their identity, purpose, and connection in Christ. This is a belonging rooted in surrender to God’s will, not in self-serving motives or superficial engagement.

Jesus said in Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV):

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”

True belonging in the church comes from being part of the Kingdom of God, where Christ is the centre. However, when belonging is built on personal desires or involvement without spiritual growth, it reflects a self-centred approach that undermines discipleship.

The Dangers of Premature Involvement

Involving people too soon or with the wrong motives can lead to challenges for both the individual and the church. Here are some potential pitfalls:

1. Overwhelming New Converts

When the commitment being asked of a new believer exceeds their current relationship with God, they may feel overwhelmed. Activities such as fasting, regular prayer meetings, or heavy involvement in church tasks may seem daunting to those still learning to walk in faith. Just as a newborn requires time to grow before handling solid food, so spiritual babes need time to develop before taking on greater commitments.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:2 (NKJV):

“I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it.”

The key is nurturing their spiritual growth before expecting them to take on greater commitments.

2. Superficial Faith

Involvement in activities without spiritual grounding can lead people to rely on busyness rather than genuine faith. This creates a false sense of security, where individuals equate their service with spiritual maturity. Jesus warns about superficial faith in Matthew 7:21 (NKJV):

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

3. Feelings of Being Used

Without clear communication or proper mentorship, individuals may feel their involvement is exploitative, serving the church’s needs rather than fostering their growth. This can lead to resentment or burnout.

4. Exposure of Weaknesses

Responsibilities often reveal areas where growth is needed, such as discipline or punctuality. While this can be a learning experience, it may also cause frustration or defensiveness, especially if individuals feel judged rather than supported.

5. Creating a Culture of Entitlement

When involvement is based on recognition or convenience, it fosters entitlement over servanthood. Ministry becomes transactional rather than transformational, contrary to Christ’s example in Mark 10:45:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Biblical Examples of Responsibility and Readiness

The Bible provides clear guidance on assigning responsibilities based on spiritual readiness:

• The Parable of the Talents

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus entrusts talents “according to their ability” (v. 15). Faithfulness in small things leads to greater opportunities.

• Peter’s Restoration

After Peter denied Jesus, he was not immediately restored to leadership. Jesus first addressed Peter’s love and commitment before entrusting him with the responsibility to “feed My sheep” (John 21:15-19).

• Moses and the Elders

Jethro advised Moses to appoint leaders based on character: “…able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness” (Exodus 18:21, NKJV). Spiritual maturity and character are essential for leadership.

Belonging Through Discipleship

While involvement in church activities can foster a sense of belonging, true belonging comes through discipleship. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV):

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

Discipleship provides belonging that is rooted in the Kingdom of God. It involves surrendering personal agendas, embracing God’s mission, and finding purpose in His eternal plan.

Practical Steps for Kingdom-Minded Involvement

To balance belonging and readiness, church leaders can take these steps:

1. Prioritize Spiritual Growth

Teach and mentor individuals before assigning responsibilities. Help them build their relationship with God and understand their identity in Christ.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Communicate the purpose of each role and how it contributes to spiritual growth and the Kingdom.

3. Assign Responsibilities Gradually

Begin with small tasks to test faithfulness and readiness, as Jesus teaches in Luke 16:10 (NKJV):

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.”

4. Provide Mentorship and Support

Offer guidance and encouragement, helping individuals see challenges as opportunities for growth.

5. Emphasize Servanthood

Reinforce that ministry is about serving God and others, not seeking personal recognition or gain.

Building True Belonging in God’s Kingdom

Involving people in church activities is not inherently wrong, but it must be approached with wisdom, prayer, and a focus on spiritual growth. Belonging in the church is about connecting people to Christ and His Kingdom, not just creating a sense of community.

True belonging comes through discipleship, where individuals surrender to Christ, embrace their purpose in Him, and grow in faith. As Jesus said in John 15:5 (NKJV):

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Let us be wise in involving people, ensuring our efforts build their faith and connect them to Christ—the true source of belonging.