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Training the Church to Be the Church

By charlie worley
What does your church offer for training or equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12 ESV)? Have you ever asked that question as a church leader or pastor? Here are some ideas about who needs regular training and about what.

     What does your church offer for training or equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12 ESV)? Have you ever asked that question as a church leader or pastor?  Here are some ideas about who needs regular training and about what.

     Church members need training. And this is not limited to just one shot at training new members or regular attendees. Find creative ways besides a class or short course of classes in a group setting. Use your small groups for a 3-week setting every year to introduce the church mission, values, vision, and strategy. Try Zoom meetings as a regular training venue. A short-term Sunday School class can also be helpful. Emphasize the need for regular training to learn new concepts, skills, and needs.

     All church members also need equipping on evangelism and disciple-making. Use similar venues as mentioned above. Maybe alternate the venues and opportunities. Try Podcasts by the pastors.

     Church leaders need to be trained. Consider once-a-year training for all board, committee, and team members, as well as teachers and small group leaders. Use the Be, Know, and Do focus in your training. What do you want your church leaders to BE? This covers character and biblical leadership qualities. What do your leaders need to KNOW? This covers how to fulfill their job description, what skills and knowledge are needed to fulfill their job description, who and what they need to know for resources and accountability. It also includes a knowledge of who they are trying to reach and what are the characteristics of those in their ministry focus. Finally, What do your leaders need to DO in their ministry? Consider the use of leadership retreats.

     Church leaders need to be trained to be disciples and disciple-makers. Do your church leaders know how to use the simple gospel? Do they know how to multiply disciple-makers in and through the church?

     Have you and your church thought about and begun to use apprenticing and coaching. These practices involve trainable skills.

     How about providing marriage and family life training beyond premarital and marriage counseling?

     How can you help your church implement Eph. 4:11-14? Pray for and identify qualified teachers, then use the Scriptures as your main text. Think creatively, dream big, and pray bigger (Eph. 3:20-21).

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