Ephesians 4:11-12
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. ESV
Did you know that all authentic ministers are Christ’s gifts to the Church for a purpose? Today let us reflect on the first reason why God gives these human gifts to the body of Christ (verse 11a).
All Christ’s ministers are mandated to EQUIP the saints for the work of ministry. In context, to “equip” is to empower. It’s about furnishing believers with spiritual knowledge, wisdom and skill. It’s about training, coaching and mentoring the saints to serve God. It’s about enabling believers to be effective envoys of Christ in their homes, church, community, workplace, and the world. So every true church (assembly) must function as a ‘Christian Equipping Centre’.
Christ’s ministers are not ordained to entertain the saints. They are not sent to babysit believers. They are not there to impress the saints. They are not there to flatter the flock. Rather, Christ’s goal, through the clergy, is to transform every member into a minister. Wise believers must not have different expectations from Christ’s purpose. Each of us must have the right attitude.
Pray about this today. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and fellow believers to be willing and available to be equipped, trained and empowered to serve God according to His will for you in this generation. Pray for a teachable heart. Pray for a humble attitude. Pastor Josh
Josh Chigorimbo