Structure
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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.”
14 “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV
APOSTLES
Apostles are called by God for the purpose of establishing the body of Christ with truth through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:42-43
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”
As a spiritual gift, an “apostle” refers to one sent on a mission, comparable to a missionary or church planter.
They were personally informed by Jesus, and they modeled the responsibility of answering only to Him for all of Christ’s followers. (See Mark 6:30; Acts 1:21-22; Romans 1:1; Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 3:1)
The church is built on the
Prophets
People to whom God made known a message, or sermon, for his people that was appropriate to their particular need or situation. (See Acts 11:27; 1 Corinthians 12:10)
The Prophet, then, is the function of the modern-day
Evangelists
While some of the other gifted people helped the church grow through the spiritual development of baptized believers, evangelists were spiritually gifted to reach out to unbelievers encouraging repentance and leading them to
Pastors and Teachers
Pastors and teachers alike, are those who provide
The Storehouse goal: to
and
for growth
The Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, and Pastors and Teachers are “to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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.” (Ephesians 4:12-13).
Ephesians 4:14-16
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.
16 From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows, and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
What place in the
structure are you in?
Do you have a desire to grow?
Then put yourself in the growth mode.
Plug in to a small group to expand your knowledge and build around you a community.
A new growth opportunity is coming – ROOTED. This is a 10-week experience that will help to develop disciplines of faith and strengthen our church family into a community of believers.
Where are you in your personal growth? Do you have…
The knowledge of who Jesus Christ is and His role in God’s plan for all people?
John 18:37
Jesus said, “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
An awareness of what life was like without Christ.
Colossians 1:21
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
An understanding of what Christ has done for us.
Colossians 1:22
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—”2 Timothy 1:9-10
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
A plan to pursue a future with Jesus.
Have you discovered your purpose and Spiritual Gifts in Christ?
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”God is faithful to His promises
Philippians 1:6
“… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”Jeremiah 29:11-14
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.”