And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.—Ephesians 4:11–16

Outline

1) Mission

The Mission of the church is discipleship. What is historically referred to as “The Great Commission” was established by Jesus.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:18–20

2) The Means

Speaking the truth in love to each other.

“Contrast sandwich”

Ephesians 4:13 (goal)
Ephesians 4:14 (opposite of goal)
Ephesians 4:15 (goal restated)

3) Strategy

• We need to do better.
• We need your prayers.
  
  Home – In order to grow as a disciple one needs to be immersed in the means of grace to this end. Not in isolation, not once a week. Immersed in a dynamic of life together. This is the vision of our small group ministry.
  
  Gym – The place to strengthen particular areas of your life so that you may speak the truth in love most effectively (Sunday school, classes, seminars).
  
  Hospital – Help to hear the truth in love when burdens build (Biblical Counseling); diaconal ministry (practical help).

Ministry Fair

Gospel

We grow because we have been born again. We do not participate to qualify, we are qualified, therefore we participate. We are active to be accepted. We are accepted therefore we act.