Equipping The Saints

CHURCH ARTICLE | Sean Cavender | Bald Knob, Arkansas

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His life to purchase the church with His blood (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28). Those who are saved by His blood are added to His church, becoming His people and part of the spiritual family of God (Acts 2:41-47; 1 Timothy 3:15). These saints assemble regularly on the first day of the week (and at other times) to worship and spend time together studying God’s word (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:25). At the first, the apostles took on a special role in the church at Jerusalem, preaching the word. When a complaint arose among the Jerusalem saints, the apostles called on the church to appoint seven men who would be capable of taking care of the physical needs of widows. Later, as Paul began his missionary journeys, he established local congregations, eventually organizing them with elders (Acts 14:23). Paul also addressed deacons in the church as the ones who had the responsibility to minister and serve the congregations where they were members (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).

These congregations, organized with elders and deacons, became a community for Christians which had their share of problems, successes, disappointments, and trials. Paul and other apostles wrote letters to the churches to help them become more Christ-like. Congregations became bases of missionary work, spreading the gospel throughout the world. They were called upon to love their fellow Christians and help them by sending financial aid when disaster struck Christians throughout the world. Churches practicing evangelism and benevolent work is clearly seen in the New Testament.

As you spend time reading the New Testament letters, it becomes obvious that there are other aspects to the function and work of the church. The apostles expected the members of local congregations to work together leading to growth. Not necessarily numerically, but in the knowledge of the Scriptures, fervency in worship, and wisdom in the application of truth. One of the primary works of the church is to equip all of the saints among the churches to better service and ministry.

Equipped to Work
“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;” (Ephesians 4:11–12, NASB95)

The apostle Paul identified the role of evangelists, apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers. These were various functions within the body of Christ and each had a slightly different purpose and use. However, they had a common purpose of equipping saints. In this text, Paul was addressing the church-at-large and all its members. All saints are to be equipped for the work of service. We cannot overlook this fact. While there may be different roles and functions within the body of Christ, every member has a purpose and is expected to participate in the service and ministry of the church.

Members of the church are expected to grow so they may help other Christians grow. One of the first ways we help people grow is through the study of the Scriptures. Notice the roles that Christ established in the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—all of these focus on teaching the word of God. Just a few verses later, Paul would tell us to teach the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Teaching the word of God leads to edification and building up the brethren in faith and knowledge of the word of God. The apostle Paul taught the gospel of grace for the strengthening and building up of the church (Acts 20:32).

Strengthening our congregations in the knowledge of the Scriptures is important, not just so we will know and practice the truth, but also to avoid the chaos of false teaching. In Ephesians 4, while Paul was encouraging the saints to equip one another, he warned of the way that false teaching can mislead and harm the church (Ephesians 4:14).

One of the greatest dangers for many churches is that Christians are not growing in the knowledge of the word of God. Many Christians view the teachers, preachers, and elders as the exclusive possessors of knowledge needed for the church. We make a distinction between those who are in “ministry” and the “rest of the church.” Every Christian who has sought the forgiveness of sins and to be in a right relationship with God has also made a commitment to grow up in the stature of Christ. Paul told the Ephesians that their standard of measurement was Jesus 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” (Ephesians 4:13, NASB95). Jesus is our goal and we all have a responsibility to grow and work for the Lord.

One of the most effective ways churches have enabled and equipped Christians with opportunities to grow in the knowledge of the truth is through Bible classes. A Bible class offers teachers the opportunity to use their gift of teaching, sharing knowledge and insights with participants. Studying a variety of topics will prove helpful, as we expand the base of our knowledge. For our faith to grow, we need to prepare for Bible classes, attend classes, and be good listeners and participants. As we grow and learn, we should each strive to become teachers. The Hebrew writer stated, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Hebrews 5:12, NASB95). Each and every Christian is expected to grow and master what they know. Most teachers will readily admit that they learn more by studying and preparing to teach, rather than when they are just students. If you are not regularly attending Bible classes, then do not expect your knowledge of God’s word to grow. In fact, you will eventually need to be taught again the elementary principles of the word of God! If you attend classes but are not diligently preparing and studying for class, then make it a goal to do better. By preparing for class and making comments, the teacher will be encouraged by your efforts, and you will find yourself growing in faith. If you do not show up for classes or you are ill-prepared, then your lack of involvement will be a discouragement to the teacher and to the rest of the congregation.

Every member has something to offer for the ministry of the saints. Equipping the church is like the grease that keeps the wheels turning. If a church practices brotherly love, hospitality, and benevolence, you will find many members who are growing and being strengthened in their faith. A church that is evangelistic and makes sharing the word of God in the neighborhood an important part of their work is a congregation which understands the effect edification will have on the work of the local church. We cannot overemphasize the work of edification, nor should we neglect its value in helping the church function as it ought to.

The apostle Paul wrote, “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 4:16, NASB95). Notice the underlined words. You are responsible for the growth of the church. Not just the preacher, not just the elders. You. Cultivating the church begins with you and your personal commitment to grow.

How To Serve In Ministry To the Saints

I would suggest that no deed or action is too small. Maybe you are not prepared to jump in and be a full-time Bible class teacher. No worries! Begin with something small and do that job well. Maybe you can begin by just making a better commitment to attend classes regularly or participating in the worship services. You could start by being at the church building early and greeting your brothers and sisters in Christ as they come in to worship. Whatever you do, do it well.

Attend and participate in Bible classes
Write cards and notes of encouragement
Study the Scriptures daily
Worship the Lord with fellow Christians whenever the church assembles
Sing enthusiastically
Encourage other Christians
Lead in public worship
Read Scripture
Volunteer to give someone a ride to worship
Say something encouraging to the elders, deacons, and preachers
Be kind
Show hospitality
Pray with and for the church
Preach sermons
Teach Bible classes
Don’t complain; focus your energy on encouragement
Arrange a Bible study with a friend, co-worker, family member, or neighbor
Teach a Bible study
Preparing your Bible class lessons
Help keep up the facilities and prepare the building for worship

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of things to do in and for the church. It is meant for you to get a few ideas and be a more active, prominent member of the local church. Consider your brothers and sisters in the local church and think of how you can take on a more active role in helping them. Minister to them and you will be an encouragement to them and you will be encouraged yourself as well!

18.10.02 | GROW magazine