Ephesians 4: 11-12
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Though the emphasis in this passage seems to be on the specific roles mentioned - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers - note the reason for these roles: works of service. And through works of service, the church (Body of Christ) is built up. It made me smiled when I thought about body building in the literal. This isn't actually too far off, since service is a way of lifting others in need. And just as weight lifting is not seen as a burden to those who want to gain strength, neither is service a weight on us in that sense. Here are some verses on lifting each other up:
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (KJV)
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. (AMP)
Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
It takes others to build our own strength, and in doing so, we encourage and strengthen them. This is how the entire Body of Christ is constructed, in communion with one another.
There are roles in the church for those who perhaps could be viewed metaphorically as our fitness coaches - the prophets and preachers, etc - but these roles should not be seen as more vital than the rest of the body for whom they are called to shepherd: the servants. Mark 10:45 says that even the King Himself exemplified this humble yet crucial role: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." In fact, it is said that the servant is the greatest of all:
Luke 2:24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.
Let your prophets speak encouragement over you; let your pastors shepherd you; let your teachers instruct you; let the evangelists feed you; and let Christ be your example. It is not only other people who need servants of God, but Christ needs you to be the caretakers/overseers of all he has done and is doing: 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Let our service, and the Body we've sculpted through it, point toward and reflect our Master. The stronger we are, the more jobs He will give us to do, for His Kingdom.