Living Out the Priesthood of All Believers
At the beginning of 1 Peter, we find Peter reflecting over the past thirty years. The apostle was undeniably a great force in the Kingdom and had faced difficulties with strength and faith. However, he also spoke first and thought later. He was the apostle who fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of denying Jesus three times. As we see Peter reflecting, we encounter someone certain of how God sees His people. In 1 Peter 2:4, the apostle reminds us that although we may be rejected by humans, we are chosen by God. His confidence is especially poignant given the times he himself stumbled. God has given believers a role to play in His kingdom, and Peter’s confidence in that role is transformative for the church.
In 1 Peter 2:4-12, the author encourages believers to be “living stones,” “a chosen people,” and a “holy priesthood.” In this passage, the apostle sets forth the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. In the Old Testament, priests were called by God, had access to God, and were separated out because of God’s calling. Just like them, we are also called by God. We have access to God, and God has separated us out and marked us for His service. This was a revolutionary concept. No longer did being a part of a particular family line matter; instead, as people who have been adopted by God (Ephesians 1:5), we are all called to serve in the Kingdom.
It’s interesting that the term “living stones” is used. Why? The text doesn’t elaborate, but an interesting parallel is that each stone is unique, just like people. Each type of stone has different characteristics. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and shape. By using this term, Peter is also illustrating that all people—with all their strengths, weaknesses, and differences—have a place of service in the Kingdom.
The theology of the priesthood of all believers is at the heart of our church life, yet we often carry an unspoken bias toward full-time ministers. In larger congregations, staff members can be expected to fill gaps where the body itself is called to respond. In smaller churches, the absence of staff may lead us to doubt our capacity or to question our own calling to serve. In both cases, the result is the same: ministry is subtly redefined as the work of professionals instead of the shared vocation of the entire congregation.
God has comforted us and walked with us through struggles so that we may help others in a similar way (2 Cor. 1:4). We are qualified to minister to others because we have experienced God’s help in our own lives. We are all called to tell our testimony and share what God has done for us (1 Peter 2:9). Everyone in the church should be prepared to share their faith and God’s love with those around them. Although formal training is incredibly helpful, a Bible degree is not necessary to take an active role in the Church. A growing relationship with God, recognition of our calling, and being grounded in the Word is what is the most important. We are not qualified because of our abilities but because of God’s work in our lives. We are not qualified to teach because of our own wisdom, but because the foundation of our teaching is the Word of God.
While the theology of the priesthood of all believers matters for every church, it is crucial in smaller congregations, especially in ones that do not have paid ministry staff. Just because a church is small does not mean it cannot have an impact on its community or have a fellowship that is growing spiritually. What it may do more visibly, however, is reveal how many in the congregation are living out their calling in a tangible way. When a congregation comes alive to the reality that every member is gifted and needed, they will not only change their church but also impact their community.
Israel felt self-conscious about their size. God addresses this in Deuteronomy 7:7, saying that he “did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.” In Isaiah 41:4, God says, “Little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you.” God has a long history of showing His power in the face of human weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul says that God told him “my power is made perfect in weakness.” When we feel weak, small, or overwhelmed by the challenges before us, we are not disqualified—rather, we are positioned for God to display His power. We are on sacred ground, standing in a moment where God delights to show His strength. Just as God called Israel not to fear, so He calls our churches to walk boldly in faith, knowing that His presence goes before us.
