Ephesians 4v7-16
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 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, 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 waves 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, from 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. (ESV)
The process for being equipped:
- Doctrine before Duty (v8-10):
Christ through the Holy Spirit gives gifts to all believers (v7). Christ is the goal of our service. It is aimed at honouring Christ as the head of the Church. - Christ is equipping the Church (v11-12):
Through teaching, preaching, evangelising, counselling, hospitality, administration, intercession, facilitating worship, stewardship, maintenance, caring – to equip others for the work of ministry. Who must do the equipping? Those whose gifts have been recognized by the Church and who are more mature believers. - The Church is being equipped for the work of Ministry (v13-16):
We are being equipped for works of service so that we can serve better and edify the body of Christ. See 2 Timothy 2v2
So what is your task? Determine your area of ministry where you require equipping and find a mature believer with expertise in that field. Avoid slipping into the spectator model. Prayerfully consider what Jesus Christ is requiring of you.