THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE FIGHT OF FAITH PART 2

Equipping For Ministry

Pastors and teachers exist to equip Christians for ministry and life.

See Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Acts 2:42, Acts 19:8-10...

The primary task of the church should be proclaiming and obeying the Word of God.

If we view youth and children’s ministry as glorified babysitting, entertaining, keeping them busy, or just keeping them out of the way, we are failing at our calling.

2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Timothy 4:12–16, Matthew 19:14...

Growing in the Faith

Growing in in the faith comes by growing in our understanding and application of the Word of God.

1 Peter 2:2–3 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

A lack of growth demonstrates one of two things: either a lack of faith, or a lack of intake of the Word.

Twenty-four years in the first grade- that is how long it would take to pass if public schools met only as often as Sunday school and if no classes were missed. If you came to Sunday school and worship service, that would be about 12 years in the 1st grade. And if you came to Sunday school, worship service, and Wednesday night Bible study, that would be 8 years in the 1st grade. These stats illustrate a couple of important truths. First, our time of corporate worship and Bible study are absolutely vital to our growth in the faith. Second, it is not enough. These times are designed to help equip us to be able to read, study, understand, and apply on our own. So we need a steady diet of corporate Bible study and personal Bible study if we desire to grow in the faith.

See Hebrews 5:11-14 and Romans 12:1-2...

Strengthening the Body of Christ

Young Christians are not the church of tomorrow, but the church of today.

If we constantly segregate youth and children from the whole church, we shouldn’t be surprised when they leave. Why would they stay somewhere that they don’t feel a part of?

See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27...

Hebrews 10:24–25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

If young people are always separate from the body, how are they going to grow on their own?

Proverbs 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

Older saints are called to invest in and disciple young believers.

See Titus 2:1-8...