The Silent Contributors: The Power of Presence | Building Up the Body: Everyone Has Something to Give

Scripture Base:

“How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” — 1 Corinthians 14:26 (NKJV)

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:20 (NKJV)

Not every contribution in the body of Christ is loud or visible. 

Some people never speak publicly, never comment in a chatroom, and never call in to a programme—but their presence still matters deeply to God. 

Paul’s reminder in 1 Corinthians 14:26 is that the purpose of any gathering is edification—the building up of the church. And sometimes, edification happens through quiet prayers, silent agreement, and consistent faithfulness.

Jesus confirms this truth in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” 

Jesus does not say that every person must speak up for Him to be present. He promises His presence simply when His people are gathered in His name, even if some remain silent.

This is good news for those who join faithfully in small congregations or, in this instance, online, for those who never reveal their presence. 

Your quiet attendance or listening is not wasted—it strengthens the church. A whispered prayer and silent agreement carry weight in the Spirit. We may feel invisible, but heaven records our faithfulness.

Numbers may dwindle, but what God values is faithfulness, not popularity. Even a small, consistent remnant can carry great power when the hearts of the people are set on Him. Our steady presence is a testimony that God is still at work, and He uses the faithful few to sustain His mission.

But I want some of you to catch this: Silence does not mean you cannot also encourage. 

Hebrews 10:24–25 (AMP) says: “And let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together…but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.” 

Your silent support is powerful, but even a small gesture—like a private message, a quiet word, or letting a leader know you are there—can lift weary hearts.

I don’t know about the other leaders watching, but sometimes I often wonder if my work is reaching anyone—especially on days I come on and invite callers and no one responds. In those moments, it’s easy to question whether the effort is making a difference. Yet even in the silence, I have to trust that God is at work in unseen ways, and that faithful listeners are being strengthened, whether or not they ever make their presence known.

 Silent support sustains the ministry, but encouragement helps those who serve to keep pressing on. 

John MacArthur notes in The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians, that Paul’s concern was not only about keeping order in the church but also about ensuring that all participation—spoken or silent—worked toward building up the body in humility and clarity, not confusion. Quiet worship, he explains, is still true worship when it is directed to Christ.

So today, we honour the silent contributors. You may not speak out, but your presence is your gift. And if the Spirit prompts you, take the extra step—reach out, even quietly or privately. You may never know how much strength your encouragement brings to those who lead.

If there is anything that we can leave here with today, is that:

*God values presence as much as words.

*Silent prayers and agreement build up the body, and

*Encouragement—spoken or written, even privately—refreshes leaders and strengthens ministry.

Reference:MacArthur, J. (1984). The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians. Moody Press.