Gifts for Church Growth

Ephesians 4:7–16 NIV84

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

1. Christ established His church

2. Christ is returning for His church

3. Christ is expecting a healthy church

4. A healthy church has gifts that build up

1 Corinthians 14:26–33 NIV84

26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. 29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints,

You are a gift for the church

1 Cor 14:26-33

The Apostle is active establishing and leading churches

Building up the body

Overshight

Teaching

Appointing leaders

Church discipline

The Prophet is to instruct and encourage

The evangelist should be reaching the lost

The teacher should be instructing and building

The pastor should be feeding and caring

5. A healthy church has partners reaching out

Every part is doing its part

Every partner is involved

Every partner is doing the work of an evangelist

6. Love drives a healthy church

Every partner must care for the lost

Every partner must mentor new believers

Every partner must reproduce

7. The gifts are active in a healthy church

Do your part

Be a builder of the Body