Core Value: MINISTRY is what disciples do.

Introduction:

Have you ever tried to do something that you were not equipped to do?

Did you have someone train you and equip you on how to do it?

Christ as a ministry for every single one of His disciple/church members/believers and He has gifted individuals to equip His church to fulfill their ministry.

Read

Ephesians 4:10–16 NASB95

10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

#1 Christ’s gift to the church where leaders to equip members of the church to do ministry.

v.10-11 Christ is the one who gifts members in the church and appoints them roles to use their giftedness in the church and for the church.

Apostles – The office of Apostle died with the first generation Christians. One requirement seems to be that they witnessed the risen Christ and were sent out by Him.

Prophets – Some told of future things but their more primary function both in the NT and OT was the confronting of Sin and call to repentance.

Evangelist – Travelling preachers. Working under the Apostles.

Pastors and Teachers – Concerned with the day to day care for the flock.

Today:

Apostles & Evangelists are those gifted by God to plant new churches in every place.

Prophets bringing a word from God (Scripture) to every situation.

Pastors and Teachers gifted for the day to day building up of the church.

Pastors are responsible for the spiritual feeding of the flock, and serve as under shepherds under the Chief Shepherd, Christ.

Hebrews 13:20 NASB95

20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord,

v.12 What is done for the saints (Church Members)? To equip the saints.

Part of those who are listed above are to use their giftedness to equip the members of the church, not to advance oneself.

v.12 What is done by the saints? The work of service/ministry.

Every member of Christ’s body has a personal ministry in which they are to be equipped for.

v.12 For what purpose? The building up of Christ’s Church.

The church is edified when its members use their giftedness to fulfill their ministry.

It is how we grow as believers.

It is not only serving others, but ultimately it is service to our head, Jesus.

Application:

How has Jesus gifted you?

What is your personal ministry?

Is your personal ministry building up Jesus’ church?

Who is equipping you?

Are you seeking out being equipped?

Do you view your ministry as for the glory of the Chief Shepherd?