Watching my boys grow up is such a joy. Growing up is hard and requires so much. Learning, failing, nurturing, direction, grace, and on and on.
This last week in our Bible Studies for Life lesson in Sunday School. The lesson centered on how the church can help us grow in our faith. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:11-16;
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s 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.”
When we see that God has given us the church and church leaders to help us grow, we can embrace the church, church membership and service in the church at a whole new level. Seeing the church as a place to be ministered to is important, adding the reality that the church exists in part to help you grow is another. Here are some ways the local church can help you grow in faith, Christlikeness and spiritual maturity.
1. By Providing Biblical Teaching
It is through the Word of God that we understand who God is, how he has worked with his people and see the person of work of Jesus Christ. It is through the Scripture we are corrected, trained and equipped. It is through the Scripture and the teaching of Scripture we stay connected to our faith. The Bible is a constant, reliable and authoritative. Growing up requires an intimate connection with the Words of God that are living and active. Christ established his church with leaders and teachers to help us understand His Word.
2. By Providing Opportunity and Training for Ministry and Service
It is through the church we learn how to live out our faith in service and ministry. The local church has been charged with the responsibility to provide opportunity, training and discipleship that leads to the proclamation of the gospel, edification and encouragement to believers. The church leaders serve, but are not the sole ministers. In fact, God uses leaders to do ministry and to develop others to do the same. This requires God’s people to come to church not only to be served but to be equipped to do ministry. Far too long we have professionalized the work of the gospel and left it to us pastors and paid staff. That goes against the plan for the church and excludes others. We should as pastors, have a vision of leadership development that honors the structure of the church. The church can be a place to discover and develop your spiritual giftedness.
3. By Helping Believers Be Accountable to Christ and the Body of Christ (the Church)
The church provides a place for God’s people to relate, connect and grow. Being a part of community of faith that unifies itself around Christ can be vital to spiritual growth. Church is not like a retail store where you just get what you like and go when you want. Church is God’s people working together under that Lordship of Jesus so that we all can grow up, mature and help others do the same..
See you in church, where we both can grow up!
FAITH HOPE LOVE 