The whole church does the work of ministry. The risen Lord has given his Church the gift of leaders, apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Leaders equip all of us to be the body of Christ. The whole body must work together, with each member exercising their gifts so that we can be whole and complete. Only when all of us do the work of ministry under the care of godly leaders can we attain to the full stature of Christ.

The image Paul is using here is a victory parade. A victorious general processes into the city and gives gifts to his officers in celebration. In the same way, our Lord, risen from the dead, victorious over sin, death, and hell, ascended to the heavenly city and gave gifts to his followers.

We thank you, Lord Jesus, that in your victory you gave us gifts and sent your Holy Spirit to seal us for the day of redemption.

The main business of the pastor is not the preparation and delivery of sermons. His principal duty is to develop, whether by sermon or by any other method, every member into a mature believer, able to witness effectively to others.

~ Roy J. Fish and J. E. Conant, Every Member Evangelism for Today. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 1976. p. 17.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Put on the Armor of God, Ephesians 6.10-18

Book Reading
Anizor and Voss, Representing Christ