And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. – Galatians 2:9

We have all heard people described as “pillars of the church.” Paul calls the church itself a pillar and ground of truth (I Timothy 3:15) But he also calls James, Cephas, and John people who have a reputation as pillars of the church. What does it mean to be a pillar?

P – Participation in Christ. The pillar is part of the temple and a church member is a member of Christ. What makes us part of His body and building is our participation in His life. What did these men have in common with Paul and Barnabas? It was Jesus and the life that they shared in Him.

I – Investment. A pillar person is someone who has invested life and eternity in the Master and His message. All  of his days belong to Jesus. All of her resources are at the disposal of Christ’s kingdom. That person is thoroughly invested in Christ and His church. The men of Jerusalem were so invested in the life of the Body of Christ.

L – Living by Faith. A pillar person is committed to the faith life. That person is an example of faith encourages faith in others. That person can perceive grace and promotes grace.

L – Loving One Another. A church pillar promotes love and fellowship. That person is an embodiment of the love of Christ as were the pillars of the Jerusalem church as they extended the right hand of fellowship.

A – Adoration of the Lord. The church is a worshiping community. Pillar people understand that and are worshiping people.

R – Reaching Out. It was never a question whether the pillar-men would join Paul and Barnabas in God’s mission to preach the gospel. The only question was which direction each would go and what people each would pursue. Pillar people are personal evangelists and are fully engaged in and committed to the larger mission of the church to reach the whole world for Jesus.

S – Serving. Church pillars are primarily servants of Jesus and one another. They cannot and do not have “king complexes.” They become great by being lowly. The pillars of Jerusalem swallowed their pride to welcome new leaders and so must we.