On Equipping
Notes
Transcript
A thought that ended “on the cutting room floor;” wanted to include it Sunday AM…not enough time
Referencing the story of Ester>Cathy>Sue>Avery; started with “Why not try my church?”
Information
Information
Circumstances
Circumstances
Paul writing to the Ephesians church, walking worthy of the calling…with all humility, gentleness…etc Ephesians 4:1–2 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,”
He also spoke of the body/unity of the Church, the freeing of “captives,” of Christ’s ascending and bringing the plan of salvation to a conclusion
Explanation
Explanation
We’re going to focus on the job of the pastor, and then slide into the role of the “saints” by way of application
Paul uses the word poimḗn
We no longer have apostles; prophets are anyone who speaks on behalf of God; shepherds are those who tend the flock; teachers deliver the word of God—explaining and applying it
Simply put: the pastors and teachers are to …equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body, to bring it (body) to maturity
Application
Application
For the Pastors/Teachers
For the Pastors/Teachers
My understanding of Pastor is, in practice, a subset of elder—same responsibilities, different position in action on those responsibilities
Our deacons are currently all “elder qualified,” and we treat them as equals; Essentially, Sean and I are the lead voices of a group of five men; ultimately will answer to God; the rest keep us from straying, hold us accountable
Often, we fill many of the remaining roles in the list
To “equip the saints,” faithfully preach, teach, correct…all using the Word as their authority
In fact, we most often will lead, set direction, administer correction and a host of other duties; we are—should be—prophets, sometimes evangelists
That’s a lot of hats for one or two men to wear
For the Members
For the Members
What is the “work of the ministry?” Let’s hear some suggestions (e.g., holding office, service of other sorts, musician, SS teacher—how about [gulp] personal evangelism?!?!?!?! discipler, small-group leader
Think about just telling your story, what Jesus has done for you—see the FB post; lead them to the person who can answer their questions
Caveat: do not confuse work of the church with church work! ref. Trellis and the Vine, Simple Church; we mentioned that in a recent message on idolatry
