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Before Sunday …

Pentecost VIII

Psalm 114

2 Kings 2:1-15

Ephesians 4:1-16

Mark 6:45-52

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the saves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, for whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians is very “churchy”. Unlike most of his epistles, it was written to a broad audience, not to a specific congregation. As such, its principles run deep and its applications easily span the ages. In this text from chapter four, we find Paul describing God’s gift to the church, the purpose of those gifts, and the ultimate goal in the mind of God.

First, the gifts:  The offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor / teacher are gifts to the Body of Christ. We sometimes think of them as people (as we should) or as offices (which they are), but they are ultimately gifts – wondrous offerings from God for the welfare, benefit, and joy of His Bride, the Church. The leadership, guidance, and direction of such leaders are the products of such gifts.

Second, the purpose: These leaders in the church are there to “equip the saints for the work of ministry”. Yes, such leaders themselves do ministry, but the focus of their work is to equip members of the church with skill, experience, and confidence in what God can and will do in and through them. Ordination is, in a profound sense, the “setting apart” of individuals in the church to reflect back to the congregation who we are called to be and what we are called to do in Christ. The more faithful ordained leaders are in this practice of “reflection”, the more effective and productive the congregation will be in it service to God.

Third, the ultimate goal: Leadership through equipping brings about maturity. People engaged in this kind of leadership development begin to “grow up” in Christ. They become stable and mature, not swayed by the latest spiritual “fad” or the hottest theological trend. They know their Savior, themselves, and their calling. In a world that seems to rock violently back and forth according to the passions of the moment, spiritually mature leaders are an anchor to the soul.

Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, it is a noble aspiration to seek spiritual maturity. Grow your roots deep into God. Step out and assume responsibilities that have weight and substance. Trust God to lead you. Make a difference for eternity.

A Prayer –

Heavenly Father, we beg you to pour out your Spirit in these days. Awaken the unconverted and revive those who love you. Grant you people a true vision of your glory, a renewed faithfulness to your Word, and a deeper consecration to your service so that through their witness your kingdom may advance and all peoples be brought to fear your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (From An English Prayer Book, by Roger Beckwith)