Ephesians 4:11-13 — What's your role?!

READ THIS: Ephesians 4:11-13

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

So Jesus covers everything, everywhere (at least that's what we saw in Ephesians 4:10). But not only that, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is IN people, too! Jesus Himself gave the apostles and all those people by giving His Spirit! He did that, and continues to do that, because He wants us to be equipped (trained/able) and united in Him. Over time, we get to look more and more like Jesus through His Spirit working in us and others. 

But what's the difference between all those roles? Really quick definitions:

  • Apostles: People have different definitions. Here are two different ones:
    • People who saw Jesus IRL and were told to go tell people about Him
    • People who are sent out to share the good news and train people to be the church
      • This is based on the understanding of Roman apostles and is basically a missionary
  • Prophets: People who speak the word of God (can be about the future, the present, and the past)
  • Evangelists: People who are super good at sharing Jesus with nonbelievers/new believers
  • Pastors: People who care well for believers and shape/protect them spiritually (Pastor=shepherd)
  • Teachers: People who can really break down the Bible well and help others do so 

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Who is someone you know who is NOT paid to do ministry who is gifted in one of those five roles?

2. Do you think YOU are gifted in any of those five roles? Why?
 
TRY THIS:
 
Ask someone today which of the five roles they think they might be gifted in and ask them which of the gifts that person thinks you have! (You can read them the definitions! They don't need to be Christians to be gifted by God...He gives good gifts to many people, although sometimes our gifts we had before Jesus get used in a very different way by God after we give our lives to Jesus!)

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