Christian Living
Now that you’ve joined a local assembly the time is not for resting but for getting busy. And in case you’re wondering if your church is a serious organism for Christ or another social club on the corner, here’s a passage that I’ve heard seldom preached, but makes a profound statement about the church:
“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, the to building up of the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12 (NASB)
I want to concentrate on the phrase, “the work of service.”
In case you didn’t know, the whole purpose of the church is to complete the work Jesus started. Jesus told the disciples they would do greater works than he (John 14:12). He did not refer to the essence of the work, rather the scope. Think about it for a minute. The average pastor has preached more sermons than Jesus ever did. The gospel has been preached in locales Jesus never ventured. There have been more writings by well-known scholars in the last decade alone, than was ever written in the pages of the Bible. There are more churches on the face of the earth than during the time of Christ and the apostles. Those with the gift of mercy have tended to more sick individuals than Jesus and Paul healed. Jesus clearly anticipated the worldwide scope of his ministry.
Unfortunately, many join churches because mom made them, a neighbor coerced them, they’re looking for a spouse, or they don’t want to be memorialized at a funeral home. To their regret, some churches tolerate those desultory attitudes. But a church that is serious about God and his service not only teaches Ephesians 4:11-12 to its members (especially new converts/members), but it also hold members accountable when they do not serve.
These are some recommended nuggets in the application of this verse:
1. Take a spiritual gift assessment test so that you will know where you are to serve. Many churches require this as a part of its new-members orientation. If your church does not, many Christian bookstores have valuable resources on spiritual gifts.
2. Make sure your leaders are equipped to equip you. Ask what type of training or experience they have in church leadership and spiritual growth/discipleship. You desire the best doctor when you’re sick. Should you also not want trained leaders guarding over our souls (Hebrews 13:17)?
3. Church leaders: Don’t hamper those who are gifted in the area of ministry. Give those who want to serve the wherewithal to serve (“for the equipping of the saints”).
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