Equipped for Ministry

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 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. 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; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 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.”  Ephesians 4:11-16

Do you attend church regularly? Why do you go? Force of habit? Do you believe it is just something that religious people are supposed to do - so you do it?

One result of church attendance ought to be that you are equipped for a ministry work. As the truths of Scripture come to light through the teaching of God’s Word, you should find yourself recognizing the path of service which the Lord is leading you to take. Remember, each one of God’s children has been gifted for ministry.

Another benefit or result from your participation in a local fellowship of believers is that you will be edified. That means you will be built up, encouraged, and guided in your faith and in your trust in the Lord. This touches the practical side of your life - how to live the Christian faith daily.

All this works together to help you “...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” (Ephesians 4:13).

Church - it is not just a place to go, but she is a living being made up of individuals who are at different stages of spiritual growth, development, and ability. Expect to be equipped and edified the next time you go to church.