**Community Question:**Paul states that “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph 4:11). The challenge is organizing ourselves as one church. What might your role be in maturing our church and pulling us forward in faith?
Read Eph. 4:1-13 as a group and write down what you observe about the passage. Talk about initial observations/questions of the passage as a group and then transition into these questions.
The Gift: Christ gives us the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers as a gift to equip His people for service.
There is an aspect of each gifted role in each of our lives, but you might excel in one more than the others. Reflecting on last week’s discussion regarding spiritual gifts, in what role are you particularly gifted?
How might we all come together, using the gifts Christ has given us, to mature our church?
The Purpose: Paul states that this gift is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12). However, the biggest mistake a church can make is to outsource ministry solely to professionals rather than raising up leaders from within the body.
When we lead out with our gifts, we expand who WE (the church) are. How can you use your gifts to expand our church?
How can we foster the use of our gifts to grow more fruit on the vine with the support of the trellis, which is the church leadership?
The Goal: Paul says, “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of
Christ” (Eph 4:13). Our potential in Christ is greater than any of us can imagine.
How might you apply your gifts in service to God’s church?
As we use our gifts, we shape who we become. How can you help the church reach its potential?
How can we figure out that potential together?
