One Man Show

By James Baker

 There has been and probably still are, small churches consisting of women and only one man. In some cases it is unknown how the church became that way and in others it is known; however that is beside the point.  What we have are people worshipping God short-handed of man-power.   The lack of men doesn’t disqualify the gathering as a church because Jesus said where two or three meet, He is in the midst; Matt 18.20.    But it does make that church incomplete. Tit 1.5.

Someone might say, how about the women taking a lead?   That would be wrong, because it would place the man in subjection to women and the scriptures teaches that women cannot exercise authority over the man when it involves the work of God.   So the man must perform all the duties. 1 Tim 2.11-12.   1 Cor 14.34-35

The church wants to keep going and the man doesn’t complain, he just keeps on doing the work. He arrives at the church on Sunday morning and doesn’t sit down until all the service is complete. He does the prayers, communion, singing, collection and the teaching. No easy task and surely challenging should he take ill.  Just like Moses father in law didn’t think it was a good idea for Moses to deal with all the problems of the nation by himself, neither do we wish such labor upon a brother.  EX 18.13-27.  But thanks to God the sisters support him and God upholds him so the work goes on.  If there ever was a Macedonia call; cases as these are such. Acts 16.9-10.

I write this article because I have known of such churches and I had to do the same at times in my past.  The job of a one show isn’t easy, but it can be done by a determined man.   I have nothing but the highest respect for men who are in such situations.  And if I go on vacation in a region where a brother is in such a position, I will be worshipping with that group so I can encourage those saints.

To all the Christians sitting in huge churches and I do mean sitting. For example, a brother has to take a number and wait in line like the deli at Safeway, just to pass the collection tray.  That is when you know, you have too many men.  Judges 7.4.   Some churches have so many men that it takes weeks to put them into use, so for most of the time they just end up sitting on the bench. I’m asking brethren, not to be content just sitting on the bench. You have talent.  Put it to work by helping a church who is staying afloat because of a one man show. Place membership at a church where you can work doing something every time the doors are open.

God will bless and smile upon you, because you want to work and not sit in a pew feeling comfort and protection.  Get up and get out and put your talents to work.   Encourage the needy church with your presence.  Heb 10.24-25.