While the laity have been taught that they have certain obligations, including the making of contributions for the upkeep of the clergy, most have become little more than passive listeners in the matter of preaching.
(‏ اعمال ۲۰ :‏ ۳۰‏ )‏ از آنجایی که آن روحانیان اقلیّت کوچکی را تشکیل می‌دادند ،‏ باقی مدعیان مسیحیت به غیرروحانیان یا عوام مسمی شدند .‏