“There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (BSB)
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.” — Ephesians 4:15–16 (BSB)
“Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (BSB)
Bishops oversee the Church’s doctrine, unity, and order; priests preach the Word, administer the Sacraments, and care for souls; deacons extend the Church’s compassion through service and mercy; laypeople carry the Gospel into homes, workplaces, and communities. Each has a vital part, and none is complete without the others.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “The Church is not built on hierarchy, but on harmony. Each ministry exists not to exalt itself, but to serve the Body and glorify the Head—who is Christ.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “When bishops lead with wisdom, priests serve with faithfulness, deacons with compassion, and the laity with bold witness—the Church flourishes. This is Christ’s design, and it reflects His beauty.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer recognizes this cooperation in its liturgies, ordinals, and prayers. The Church is always described as “the whole Body,” with clergy and people alike participating in worship, witness, and ministry.
J.C. Ryle reminded the Church, “Each part of the Body has its work. A healthy Church is one where every hand is at the plow, every voice is lifted in truth, and no gift is idle.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “The Church is strongest when all her members are engaged—praying, preaching, serving, and proclaiming Christ together. The work belongs to all, and Christ is glorified through our unity in diversity.”
This cooperation is not organizational only—it is spiritual. It is the Spirit of Christ who binds and empowers His people to labor together for the sake of the Gospel.
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “The Church is one, though she has many members. Each ministry supports the other, and all must be united under one Lord.” — On the Unity of the Church, 5
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Let the bishop teach, the presbyter preach, the deacon serve, and the people believe and obey. Then the Church is full and strong.” — Sermon 340
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “The eye needs the hand, the head needs the foot—so it is in the Church. The body works because it works together.” — Homily on 1 Corinthians, 12
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
