- Lesson Seven in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on Colossians 1:9-11; 28b-29; 4:2-4; Ephesians 4:11-16; James 1:2-4
Preparation for spiritual growth is addressed specifically in Ephesians 4:11–13, which highlights the notation thatleaders with a variety of roles are gifts to the church.
And, they are “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
This Scripture underscores the importance of members of the church being equipped for service and understandingone’s place of significant service within the body of Christ.
“Every member a minister” is more than a motto, it is a truism.
The task of the leaders is to equip individual members of the body to know and assume their position of service in thechurch.
The unique callings to specific ministry areas can be discerned by discovering spiritual gifts, areas of concern,previous experiences or supernatural desires.
Leaders should seek out followers and guide them to explore and embrace their “works of service.”
Followers should submit themselves for training and placement. Preparation encompasses both formal teaching, such as biblical or doctrinal studies, and informal learning through life experiences and mentoring.
Notice three outcomes of effective preparation: unity in the faith, knowledge of the Son of God and maturity in Christ.
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Believers are built up and the church is strengthened when all are contributing to the kingdom enterprise of disciple making.
Serving one another provides opportunities for believers to develop their gifts, demonstrate love and grow in humility. In serving others, believers are shaped more into the likeness of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45).
Ministry also fosters a sense of accountability within the church community, which is essential for spiritual maturity.
Spiritual growth is a dynamic and multifaceted process influenced by a variety of experiences and environments.
While the ultimate source of growth is the Holy Spirit, certain experiences such as prayer, the hearing of the word,participation in ministry, and enduring trials all contribute to a believer’s maturation.
Similarly, the church community and obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit provide environments in whichbelievers can grow in faith and continue to pursue maturity in our walk with him.
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