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 gift of pastoring and teaching is perhaps that most recognizable in this list. Paul seems to put these two things together in tandem. These are the shepherds of God’s flock; the leaders who care for believers, leading, teaching, and praying. It is important to understand that this is not about a job or a position. One need not be called “The Pastor” to have this gift. Everyone who shepherds believers is pastoring.

Lord Jesus, thank you for pastors and teachers who instruct, protect, and lead your people.

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