Can ‘Ordinary People’ Make a Contribution?

Message Summary:

In “Can ‘Ordinary People’ Make a Contribution?” Pastor Chuck Swindoll confronts a pervasive piece of “false propaganda” within the church: the idea that Christian service is reserved for “spiritual superstars” and “pros.” Swindoll argues that evangelism and discipleship were never intended to be limited to a professional elite. By looking at the accounts of Philip and Ananias in the book of Acts, this message demonstrates that God’s most significant work is often accomplished through ordinary believers who are simply available and obedient. Swindoll encourages every Christian to reject the lie that they don’t qualify for service and to embrace their unique role in God’s global mission.

Message Key Facts:

• The Propaganda of Inadequacy: A “sinister force” often whispers to believers that they are not gifted enough or “holy” enough to be used by God, leading to spiritual passivity.
• The Error of Professionalism: Evangelism was designed by Christ to be the natural overflow of every believer’s life, not a specialized task for a few “superstars.”
• Philip the Deacon: Acts 8 shows how an ordinary deacon became a key instrument in the conversion of an entire city and a high-ranking foreign official.
• Ananias the Obscure: Without the quiet obedience of the “ordinary” disciple Ananias, the church might never have seen the transformation of Saul of Tarsus into the Apostle Paul.
• The Requirement of Availability: God is not looking for human “pros”; He is looking for people who will listen to His voice and act on His prompts without hesitation.

Message References:

1. The Myth of the Spiritual Superstar

Swindoll identifies the mental barriers that prevent ordinary people from contributing.

• False Propaganda: The belief that missions and ministry are only for people like Hudson Taylor or Jim Elliot.
• The Nursery Whisper: A metaphor for how early we begin to believe the lie that we are “unqualified” for God’s service.

2. The Impact of an Available Layman (Acts 8:26–40)

The focus shifts to Philip, one of the original deacons.

• Sensitivity to the Spirit: Philip was willing to leave a successful revival in Samaria to go to a “desert road” because the Lord told him to go.
• The Ethiopian Connection: Because Philip was available, he was positioned to explain the Gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch, leading to a new believer in a far-off land.
• Spontaneous Service: Philip didn’t need a committee or a title; he simply saw a need and fulfilled it.

3. The Courage of a Quiet Disciple (Acts 9:10–19)

Ananias represents the “ordinary” believer who plays a critical behind-the-scenes role.

• The Dangerous Assignment: God called Ananias to go to Saul of Tarsus—the church’s greatest enemy.
• The Honest Struggle: Ananias’ initial hesitation shows that “ordinary” people can have fears and still be used greatly by God.
• The Catalyst for an Apostle: Ananias’ simple act of laying hands on Saul and calling him “Brother Saul” was the human touch God used to launch the greatest missionary career in history.

4. Reclaiming Your Contribution

The message concludes with a call to action for the “average” Christian.

• The Truth of Selection: God chooses the weak and the ordinary so that His power—not ours—is clearly seen.
• Finding Your “Road”: Like Philip and Ananias, your contribution usually happens in the context of your daily life and unexpected encounters.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll