The power of the Holy Spirit turned on a lightbulb in my mind today. Ever have that happen?
Here's my story.
In over 40 years of ministry, I have preached on and heard other preachers speak on, and teach from Ephesians 4:11-12. Here's the text: "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. (ESV). When the lightbulb came on today, it dawned on me that I have focused on the equipping without ever reading, studying about or preaching on how to equip. I have been missing something and I believe most churches and ministries are missing something very important in this responsibility of church leaders.
The word "equip" in the original means to repair, to put back in place, to restore to something's or someone's intended use. But how are we who are pastors and leaders supposed to do this? What is the responsibility of the church in shepherding and leading the flock of God when it comes to putting sandals on the dusty pathway of a Christ-like life in the world that he loves so much?
Until today, I have just left this to biblical teaching and preaching where guided-application of the Scriptural text is shared. But there is so much more than just teaching and preaching.
In addition to preaching and teaching that includes guided application, there is coaching. I define coaching as an ongoing relationship where the conversation helps bring out the purpose, plans and vision that God has placed in the heart of a person or team, primarily by asking good questions. When a godly coach comes alongside another believer, his or her job is to help equip that person to pursue God's will.
Enabling people in the church to connect with a godly, mature mentor is also a way of helping people to be equipped. What would your church look like if every new believer or newcomer had both a coach for the first couple of years and a mentor for a life-time?
What about helping equip the flock of God by providing help in discovering and using each one's spiritual gifts. Even better would be helping people recognizing and unleash their ministry passion in the church and the community.
Then there's the plan to involve people in small groups that have a strong missional objective. If you are actively involved in such a group, you are pushed beyond gaining more biblical knowledge to getting your hands and feet dirty in ministry for the Lord. Our great God is a sending God. That's equipping in action.
What about Christians who are hurting, grieving, spiritually wounded or who have left the church? Are there ways we can build redemptive relationships with them and reconnect them with the Bride of Christ? Can we develop Christ-centered support groups and other ways to provide safe ways to explore their pain and begin to return to fellowship in God's family? I'm sure there are.
There are many other ways to equip the saints for the work of ministry. What would you add to your list and what steps will you take to turn on the light in your heart and head?
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash