How can church leaders equip others for ministry, as described in Ephesians 4:11? Christ’s gifts to the church “And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11) Why these gifts were given • v.12 – “to equip the saints for works of ministry” • v.13 – “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” • v.14-16 – so the body “grows and builds itself up in love” Practical ways leaders equip others for ministry • Teach the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture “is God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” • Model Christlike character – 1 Peter 5:2-3: shepherd the flock “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples.” – Hebrews 13:7: “consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” • Identify and affirm spiritual gifts – Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: each believer has a Spirit-given role; leaders help discover and deploy those gifts. • Provide hands-on opportunities – Luke 9:1-6; Acts 6:1-6: Jesus and the apostles delegated real ministry tasks, letting disciples learn by doing. • Offer personal mentoring and training – 2 Timothy 2:2: “what you have heard from me … entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” • Guard sound doctrine – Titus 1:9: hold firmly to the trustworthy message, “so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.” • Cultivate unity and love – John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:3: preserve “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” demonstrating Christ’s love to the world. Raising up new leaders • Pray for and recognize emerging servants (Acts 13:1-3). • Lay hands on and commend them to the work (1 Timothy 4:14). • Continue ongoing accountability and encouragement (Acts 14:21-23). The promised outcome When leaders faithfully teach, model, and release others: • Believers mature, no longer “tossed by waves” (Ephesians 4:14). • Every part “works together,” causing growth (v.16). • Christ’s body displays His fullness to the world (v.13). |
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