Q5. Equipping the Saints for Ministry

[Lawrence]

EPHESIANS 4:11,Q5---- IF WE ARE NOT EQUIPPED,THAT IS, BY THE TEACHINGS OF THE WORD OF GOD BY THE PASTORS AND TEACHERS IN OUR CHURCHES, HOW CAN WE MINISTER TO THE UNSAVED???.PRAISE THE LORD, AMEN.

[masika]

From a strategic point of view , it is very important that pastors focus on " equipping the saints for the work of ministry rather than serving as paid chaplains to the flock in that when you read the book of Luke 9:57-62 , You will see Jesus was putting more emphancy for us not to focus on material things .

Many Churches are coming up but when you look their teachings is more on giving of money rather than salvation for the lost souls .

We should teach the saints with true gospel so that they may be swept by false teachings.

Jesus taught His followers to look into the cost of following him.

[Janesb]

We are all part of the Body of Christ with different talents( 1Corinthians 12). The minister moves on , the people stay and they need to know how to serve and help others. I am part of a team ministry in our Church. Our pastor has monthly meetings to equip us. We go off and do Bible studies and help in other ways as a result of these teachings.

In turn we encourage other members to know Gos'a word and serve the church

[Lion of Grace]

Pastors should focus on equipping the saints for the work of ministry because we are all one body. Every part needs to be functioning in spiritual maturity and truth in the gift we have to share. There needs to be a balance in this equipping though. We can't have truth without love or love without truth.

If a Pastor functions as a "paid chaplain" he is not functioning out of love. He is merely in a ministry for "self ".

To function in a healthy way, takes wisdom and discernment and a shepherds heart.

Pastors are to edify and exhort. The flock needs to know the truth and be encouraged to reach for a life lived worthy of our high calling, yet not be condemned when struggling with individual strongholds. They need to be able to discern an honest seeker and to guide them in loving ways.

There has to be a good balance of acceptance, but discipline. Done in real love, this is done out of a jealousy for others to know Christ and the truth of who we are in Him. Discipline is measured out in love to draw others back into the arms of God. Love is given to show others the love of Christ through them.

Good Pastors are always watching over their flock to see who is in need of help, yet at the same time is sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit in an individual life and allows that work though it may be painful to watch in those they have love for.

Jesus walked with His disciples and loved them, yet allowed them to learn from circumstances. He taught and encouraged them, yet rebuked them when they openly strayed from the truth. He was in close relationship with them and they trusted in Him and His love for them. He accepted them as they were, yet did not allow them to stop growing. His goal was to save them from eternal death and was to equip them to help others know the truth. His intent was to teach them to pass along this truth to others. His goal was to have them as one with the Father and with Himself. His goal was to teach them servanthood and humbleness and He did it all with a love that sacrificed everything including his own life to show them what would be required of them to live their lives for Him. There isn't one thing He didn't do or experience Himself that He required of them....or us.

[plethra]

Q5. (Ephesians 4:11) From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock? What actions might this equipping involve? In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples? Exposition

It is vital that pastors equip the saints for the work of the ministry because they need to go forth in their own ministries. They will not always be at the same church. They also need to know how to fight the devil and to live a victorious life. Other people (saved and unsaved) are watching christians to see if they have any thing that is real. Pastors need to equip people to live a life that Glorifies God - not embarrass HIM. This could include preaching, teaching, giving the people opportunity to do different ministries, and to be responsible for different aspects of ministry. Jesus trained His disciples by teaching and living - pastors to the same.

[Commissioned]

Q5. (Ephesians 4:11) From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock?

This is vitally important, so that the congregation may take their place in ministry doing the work that they were called to do; which in turn helps other Believers and together the Body of Christ fitly joined and functioning as the Church Christ died for and will soon return to collect and present to Father.

What actions might this equipping involve?

The equipping might involve teachings, seminars, workshops, some one on one counselling, mentoring; or helping them to discover what their gifts are and prepare them to use them in ministry. It is also preparing them for struggles against principalities and powers -- and being successful.

In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples?

Jesus prepared his disciples for service in the Kingdom of God. This is the equipping pattern that pastors and teachers should be using today.

[Craig]

Q5. (Ephesians 4:11) From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock? What actions might this equipping involve? In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples?

Pastors cannot and were not meant to do all of the ministry of a church. All the saints have God-given talents and gifts to built up the church and minister to the community.

The saints need to be taught the Holy Scripture, how to prayer, and taught how to present the gospel of Jesus Christ. The pastor can lead in setting goals, creating ministeries and organzing the church to reach the community for Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught his disciples doctrine, how to pray, how to heal, and how to present the gospel to the world around them.

[JustJeff]

1 Peter 5:1-4 clearly talks about the behavior of the elders, pastors, teachers, etc. The message is that they are not to be stimulated to perform for money. They (we) are to walk as Christ walked when He did with the disciples as a perfect example as to how we should live our lives and sit at His feet for instuction. As elders, we are His conduit to the flock and we are to remember that at all times. By this we will successfully equip the saints for ministry.

[GodExcels]

Equipping the body and preparing the body for ministry strengthens the body. No one pastor or team of assistant pastors are meant to do it all. Like parenting, at some point pastors must begin to teach, build up, rebuke, train and educate to set the expectation that the flock can and must take on the roles of ministry for themselves and the church.

Our pastors should be modeling a Christ like behavior in the pulpit and within the four corners of the earth: demonstrating and expecting that the flock has a relationship with God for themselves; requiring the congregation to read the Word of God for themselves and implement the spirit of the Word into their lives; asking them to trust in the Holy Spirit; to encourage fellowship and Bible study; to encourage volunteering and meeting needs, and most importantly prayerfully asking them to make space for God to move and direct each of them. Memorizing the Bible is meaningless if you do not understand, have hope or trust, or demonstrate the fruits of the Word. Modeling Christ is not a job it is apart of our new DNA when we are born again in Christ- we are being equipped with a heart having an innate, instinctive, a joy within our spirit to do and be like Him.

Jesus often reminded His disciples that He would not always be with them so they were to take heed of His teachings, instructions and doings so when He is gone they can prepare others for His return. Jesus lived a life pleasing to God and by doing so He gave the disciples a blue print, a perfect example of ways to please God. We are not perfect, nor can we perfect anything on this side of glory, yet Jesus wonderfully demonstrated that if we can come to a place where our hearts belong to God then God will do the work in us, through us and for us as He wills.

[smithj7]

Q5. (Ephesians 4:11) From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock? What actions might this equipping involve? In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples? Exposition

In the lesson, the example provided showed how a Prussian general trained and drilled men during the revolutionary war to go back and train their own companies. This model of "train" the "trainer" helped equip the revolutionary army to win the war. Likewise, pastors should be concerned with training the saints to be part of the army of God. Establishing a strong lay ministry, people who go out into the world and ministry to the community, is one way pastors can help equip the saints. Providing opportunities for members to teach and even preach within the church also will assist in this effort. Jesus taught his disciples for three years. He also sent them out into the world in twos to practice while he was still training them. He spent lots of quality time equipping them. His disciples learned from him in by both Jesus's words and deeds.

[wifee]

5a)We are all commissioned to go out & tell others the good news. It is impt to develop in congregation by teaching & encouraging gifts of preaching, pastoral care, serving indifferent ways to not only spread the work load where possible, for the benefit of the individuals and the flock. Pastor needs to in love correct, &rebuke where necessary to refine persons contribution as part of developing skills. It is preparing the church for the future. The faith base, personal study & prayer life of each person should be developed so they can withstand spiritual attacks that happen in ministry. Every person has gifts, and each should be encouraged to use them. 5B)The actions could be praying for Spirits guidance,running courses or sending indivs to other places for training; teaching from pulpit on God

[Lion of Grace]

The strategy for "equipping the saints" is to multiply. We should always be about making more disciples and growing others in their faith so they can become viable servants and ministers for God's purposes. We really never get "perfect" here as we all continue to grow....but growth should be our main purpose.

If we only serve as paid (or even unpaid) chaplains of the flock, we are in danger of promoting complacency and stagnation. We also promote one dimensional church bodies where only a small group of people are leading and directing, while the others are caught in always being "babies" on milk. The danger in that is the elitism and arrogance that can come out of leadership and the "failure to thrive and grow" that can be the result for others. Either way, God's Kingdom is not rightly represented and does not multiply so more can come as they are and more can disciple! If people are just in a position for selfish reason's...power, perks, recognition, money.....then they will not be fruitful for the Kingdom. And are even harmful and enemies of Christ.

Actions for equipping are about relationship with others. Truly loving others to see them increase in strength and overcome weaknesses. This should include, right interpretations and teachings of God's word and helping others to understand that and encouragement with ways to live it. We should be living those things ourselves to the best of our ability so as not to be a stumbling block to anyone watching and learning. We should be recognizing other people's gifts and helping them find a place to serve, in and out of the church building. Accountability to teach in love and truth and not compromise are crucial.... but also being gentle in times of difficulty because of sin. Always encouraging to go out step by step, seeing them established in what God leads them to. It's all a process in love and relationship and the sad thing is, I see so many "thinking" they disciple, when it really is all about themselves. They teach and preach and prod and poke, judge and admonish in damaging ways but never really love and accept or include as they would with those they "prefer" and finally after "time is up" they cut off the person causing more damage and hurt. Justifying their actions, they walk away saying they did a work "for" God. They never loved and without love it just becomes a lot of noise and confusion.

Jesus was in relationship with His disciples. He lived with them, traveled with them, sorrowed with them, laughed with them, cried over them, prayed for them, forgave them, admonished them, taught them, showed them, was patient with them, encouraged them, shared with them, was gentle with them, understood them. He loved them, died for them, lived again for them, came back to them and even when He had to go away from this earth forever, sent a helper to them and promised them He would be with them always and would come back for them. He was devoted to them forever. His love gave them strength and courage in their faith and sustained them until the end of their lives. Even so that most would in turn die for Him and His name. That's love....full circle.

[Marloes]

Q5. (Ephesians 4:11) From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock? What actions might this equipping involve? In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples? Exposition

In an army, the marshall can't talk to all the soldiers in person.

He talks to the officers who talk to lower officers who talk to the soldiers.

So the pastor here is the marshall.

He can't do everything on his own.

Therefore he better instructs some deacons or something to do their job.

This way it's more efficient.

Jesus trained His men to do their job.

We Dutch say that 'many hands make a light job'.

I guess this doesn't make sense in English but I guess you know what I mean.

[hanks]

Q5.(Ephesians 4:11)

From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock?

There is just so much a pastor can do as a single person. If he, however, equips each one in his congregation to do the work of the ministry, we can just imagine how much more powerful this would be. Each member is empowered to be of service.

What actions might this equipping involve?

They have to be taught the absolute truth as found in the Bible. To be able to function properly they have to understand the major doctrines of Scripture and how to apply it in daily life. Then they have to be taught how to serve the community in humbleness, and gentleness, with patience and love.

In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples?

I find the above similar to what Jesus taught His disciples.

[anne1151]

Q5. (Ephesians 4:11) From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock? What actions might this equipping involve? In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples? Exposition

1. So the church can grow, both in numbers and love for one another. It is hard for a minister alone to build the membership and the body of the church We all need to help, but to do this, we need to be trained (equipped) to minister to others.

2. A firm foundation in the Bible. Helping us to know more about Jesus and how to tell others about him.

3. Jesus had to teach the apostles and disciples about going out to teach. He taught them to love one another, be humble, Love God. He taught them that they would experience pain, rejection, scorn and tears, but He would never forsake them. His teachings then stand us in good stead today.

[Old Jerry]

From the strategic point of view, the reason that it is vital that pastors focus on “equipping the saints for the work of the ministry” rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock is because they are so few. If they have everybody in the congregation telling others about Christ then more and more people would hear of Him.

They ways that Jesus trained his disciples for “equipping….for ministry” was to be with them at all times and teach them especially in a language that they understood.

[JoanG]

We are to act as disciples to Christ. It is the position of the pastor to help us find our strengths and to help us see the path that Christ has put us on. To act as a paid chaplain, the pastor is only servicing our needs to hear the word of god. He is only making us feel good. He is not helping us to fulfill our purpose through Christ.

 

The pastor might make us look into ourselves and be completely honest with who we are. he can help us to find our hidden talents and to challenge us to use them to the best of our abilities. He can teach us without giving us the answers. A really great pastor will be able to talk to our souls.

[WinstonY]

Q5. (Ephesians 4:11) From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock? What actions might this equipping involve? In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples?

 

Jesus spoke about the hirling that abandons the flock. If one refuses to do more than 40 hours per week than they are seen as self serving and trust will be lost by the flock and the flock will scatter. all of the congregation must work as a team together to succeed . A successful congregation is more than have just a team leader. Therefore it is important to have the whole body trained to evangelize

 

No doubt the two are similar. Today as people fall away from the church our ministry becomes more and more like that of Jesus..

[Siphoñ]

It is vital for the pastors to focus on equipping the saints for the work of ministry because they can not be there everyday so it is vital for them to teach the saints so that they maybe strong in faith so that those saints can train others to preach the gospel of salvation. 

What actions must this involve?

It must involve bible studies, councelling,home cells ,intersession.All this services will mature to be strong in faithfulness of the church. This services brings unity inside the church.

This equipping is similar to what Jesus hs taught his disciples.

Jesus has taught his disciples about the word of God.He trained them how to spread the word of God.He also tauhgt them how to pray and to spiritual warfares