Meaning: The quote by Robert Rainy, a clergyman, reflects on the earlier practice of the Church in employing the gifts of the congregation in worship under the leadership of the pastor or pastors. This practice refers to the early Christian tradition of active participation of the congregation in the worship services, particularly through the expression of their spiritual gifts.

During the early years of the Christian church, the model of worship was characterized by a sense of community and active involvement of the members. The emphasis was on the shared spiritual gifts and contributions of the congregation, rather than a more hierarchical structure where the pastor or clergy alone led the worship. This participatory approach to worship was rooted in the belief that every member of the church had been bestowed with unique spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit, and these gifts were meant to be utilized for the edification of the entire community.

The concept of the priesthood of all believers was central to this early Christian practice. It underscored the idea that all members of the church, not just the clergy, had a role to play in the worship and ministry of the church. This inclusive approach to worship fostered a sense of belonging and ownership among the congregation, as they were actively involved in the worship services and contributed their gifts for the benefit of the community.

The early Christian gatherings were characterized by a sense of spontaneity and diversity, where individuals were encouraged to share their spiritual gifts such as teaching, prophecy, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. These gifts were seen as essential for the building up of the body of believers and for the expression of the diverse manifestations of the Holy Spirit within the community. The pastor or pastors provided guidance and oversight, but the congregation played an active role in the expression of their spiritual gifts during the worship gatherings.

This participatory model of worship also reflected the communal nature of the early Christian church. It emphasized the interconnectedness of the body of believers and the mutual dependence on one another for spiritual growth and encouragement. The congregation was not merely passive recipients of the pastor's ministry, but active participants who contributed to the corporate worship experience through their diverse gifts and expressions.

Over time, the practice of employing the gifts of the congregation in worship underwent significant changes. Various factors, including the institutionalization of the church, the development of liturgical traditions, and the rise of hierarchical structures, led to a shift towards a more centralized and clergy-led model of worship. The emphasis on the priesthood of all believers and the active participation of the congregation gradually gave way to a more passive role for the laity in the worship services.

In contemporary times, there has been a renewed interest in reclaiming the participatory and communal aspects of early Christian worship. Many churches are exploring ways to involve the congregation in the expression of their spiritual gifts during worship, whether through music, prayer, teaching, or other forms of creative expression. This reflects a desire to recapture the sense of community, diversity, and active involvement that characterized the early church's approach to worship.

In conclusion, Robert Rainy's quote highlights the historical practice of the early Church in actively involving the congregation in worship through the expression of their spiritual gifts. This participatory model of worship underscored the priesthood of all believers and the communal nature of the Christian community, emphasizing the active role of the congregation in the corporate worship experience. Understanding this historical perspective can inform contemporary discussions on the nature of worship and the role of the congregation in the church's communal expression of faith.