Equipping for Service by Pastor David Kueh dated 27.4.2014

Ephesians 4:8-16

Sense of freedom, faith, expectancy: a new season – bringing in more souls, new generation of leaders stepping up. Equipping & placement in the Body of Christ.

Introduction

40 Post-Resurrection days – Jesus equipped & prepared his disciples with Ascension (Exaltation, Enthronement, Leadership, 5-fold) gifts as blessing to wider Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:8-10). 

Purpose is service, not a position, to build up spiritually the Body of Christ in all aspects so that it is not lop-sided (free from false teaching, wrong & dangerous trends or emphasis that are very real & that can destroy the church) (Ephesians 4:15). 

This brings about a right relationship for strong, healthy growth – connected, praying, coming alongside and not isolated, independent.

How to recognize & receive the Ascension Gifts?

Issue of misuse, controversy, promoting themselves.

1   Apostles

Meaning: one sent;

Role: exercises general leadership over a church or group of churches to establish & strengthen;

Authority recognized, received & trusted

Tasks: preaching, teaching, training, discipling ‘sons & daughters’, raise up

Examples: Paul (2 Timothy 1:6; 2:1,2); Leaders of Mission organizations; Senior Pastors

Gifting of apostles continues today but not the same as the Twelve Apostles who are unique in history. Equipping is not a programme (classroom) but involves imparting (spending time, intentional investing in lives – God’s Word, Prayer).

2   Prophets

Meaning: speak forth (God’s mind, message to his people) rather than foretelling;

Role: real sense of the condition of the church and speaking life to & awakening the church;

Tasks: comfort, encourage, edify, touch, strengthen, awaken them, resonance in the heart;

Examples: Acts 13:1-4 (see God’s calling on people’s lives – affirm & release the best); Acts 11:27–30 (Respond to gifts)

3   Evangelists

Meaning: ability to preach Gospel in relevant way – clear & effective;

Role: encourage & release to witness & evangelize;

Tasks: equip, impart & motivate the saints with passion for the lost;

Examples: Acts 8:1-8; 26 (Philip); John Sung; Reinhard Bonnke.

 4   Pastors

Normally goes together with teacher.

Meaning: long term responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers, church – “married for life”;

Role: hands on love & heart for people;

Tasks: protect, guard, sacrifice, coming alongside;

Examples: Psalm 23; John 10.

5   Teachers

Not the same as school teacher.

Meaning: Communicate biblical truth in clear manner & relevant to the needs for spiritual growth;

Role: passionate about biblical accuracy; grounded instead of trends.

Examples: 1 Timothy 4:11-16 (not just knowledge but imparting life).

If neglected, dangerous for the church.

Conclusion

Importance of:

• investing in lives instead of chasing after trends - discipling; 
• teaching God’s Word