Ephesians 4:12 (HCSB)
for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
So who is responsible for growing the church you are a part of? That question could be answered in a number of ways.
First, we must be reminded that God is responsible for the growth of the church. We are dependent on Him through the Spirit to impart His conviction and grace in the lives of people.
Second, Pastors are responsible for the growth of the church. If we don't lead, teach, equip and disciple, we will not see growth.
But, third, it is the people in the pews responsibility for the church's growth. If the people do not obey and do what God says we will not see growth.
So what do we need to remember. It is God ultimately who will grow His church. But His plan for that growth will be when the pastors equip the saints (people) to do the work of ministry. We can find ourselves making three dreadful mistakes. One is to say it is God's church and He will grow it I just have to maintain. It is as equally dangerous to say, "I am the Pastor. I will make it happen!" It is also misguided to say, "the people have to do it." Reality is that we share the responsibility. God will empower His church to reach people and grow as disciples. But He will use the Pastor and the people to accomplish the task.
Pastor you can not grow the church on your own. To think that you can is arrogant and misguided. We cannot blame the people if the church does not grow because we have to equip them to do the work of ministry. But for both the pastor and the people we must obey God and join Him in the work He has planned for us to do.
for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
So who is responsible for growing the church you are a part of? That question could be answered in a number of ways.
First, we must be reminded that God is responsible for the growth of the church. We are dependent on Him through the Spirit to impart His conviction and grace in the lives of people.
Second, Pastors are responsible for the growth of the church. If we don't lead, teach, equip and disciple, we will not see growth.
But, third, it is the people in the pews responsibility for the church's growth. If the people do not obey and do what God says we will not see growth.
So what do we need to remember. It is God ultimately who will grow His church. But His plan for that growth will be when the pastors equip the saints (people) to do the work of ministry. We can find ourselves making three dreadful mistakes. One is to say it is God's church and He will grow it I just have to maintain. It is as equally dangerous to say, "I am the Pastor. I will make it happen!" It is also misguided to say, "the people have to do it." Reality is that we share the responsibility. God will empower His church to reach people and grow as disciples. But He will use the Pastor and the people to accomplish the task.
Pastor you can not grow the church on your own. To think that you can is arrogant and misguided. We cannot blame the people if the church does not grow because we have to equip them to do the work of ministry. But for both the pastor and the people we must obey God and join Him in the work He has planned for us to do.
