Yesterday we continued looking at the question, ‘What is the church?’ We discussed the ministry gifts outlined in Ephesians 4 (the roles of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. understanding that God gifts people with certain skills to enable these roles to be fulfilled.) Sometimes, people can be anointed by God to certain roles at a young age (e.g. Samuel, Jeremiah), but sometimes these roles are developed later in life.
In Romans 12:4-8, we see a different set of gifts essential for the church’s growth and development. Some of these gifts seem very spiritual (prophecy, teaching) but others are more practical (encouragement, serving, generosity, leading). All are necessary.
The lists we see in Scripture about the church are not exhaustive. We talked about our local ministries and the gifts needed in our particular context (people to help at the Parent & Toddler group, musical gifts, technology and so on.) Each of us can be involved in the church; there should be no ‘spectators’ in church life. All of us are needed to help the church grow. Remember: your church needs YOU!
