A few weeks ago we heard a message from Ephesians 4:7-15 about how God works to grow...or 'build up' his people. What was so clear from this passage is that when God calls us to himself, he intends to use us - each and every one of us - as part of his plan to 'build up' his body, the church, so that it reflects Christ more and more! This is both the point and purpose of these things we call 'local churches'. Which means that to be 'part' of a local church means more than simply attending or joining that church, but giving of yourself - your time, talents, and treasures - for the 'building up' of the body for it's good! Specifically, from this passage we see:
Pastors are called to equip members for ministry - So we read, "And he gave...the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..." So, pastors (ie. shepherds and teachers) are to 'equip' members in a variety of ways, but what's clear in this passage is that the 'work of ministry' is to be done by the members of that particular church! As part of God's good design, every member is to be equipped for ministry! Or to put it even more succinctly - every member IS a minister with a specific ministry in the body! Now you may be saying, "But I don't know what to do!" "But I don't have any gifts!" "But I don't have any time!" But God's Word is clear - the 'work of ministry' is something he has called YOU to!
The goal of the body is to 'grow up' (ie. mature) together into Christlikeness - So we read just a few verses later, '...we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..." Notice that he says, 'WE are to grow up' - the point he is making is that GROWTH happens as we work TOGETHER for it. In other words, you can't pursue spiritual maturity in isolation from the body. The body is given to you to help you grow and you were given to the body to help it grow! You need the body and the body needs you! But wait...what does it need from me?
Growth happens when EACH PART is 'working properly' - The growth that happens in the church ultimately comes from one source, from Christ. But it's very clear that the MEANS of this growth is each member serving and giving themselves to the body! So Paul reminds us that, "...when each part is working properly, [it] makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." The growth that is happening, is happening when YOU give yourself in service to the body. This is amazing! Christ has designed it so the purifying and perfecting of his people happens when weak, sinful, and flawed individuals faithfully give themselves to their brothers and sisters in service in obedience to Christ! The question is...are you?
It is certainly easier to be a spectator in a church than a servant...to be a consumer than a custodian, but the joy and blessing of seeing a church (and ourselves!) slowly become increasingly holy and formed into the image of Christ is for those who humbly and faithfully take whatever they have and give it in service to Christ and one another!
We know that so many of you are already giving of your time, your talents, and your treasures to build up this body! But if you're feeling 'underused' or maybe that you aren't stewarding what God has given you well or you'd like to be better equipped for service - then I want to ask you do the following two things:
Begin praying and asking the Lord would begin to clarify how he would like to use you for his glory and the good of your brothers and sisters at your local church.
And for Lakeside members - take a moment to fill out the form below which has information about each ministry and what service would look like. At the end of the survey is an opportunity for you to ask for a pastor to reach out and help you know where/how you can best serve! We (the pastors) would love to help 'equip [YOU!] for the work of ministry'!
Click HERE to take the short survey!
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