Am I called to a local ministry such as my church? When Paul writes to the local church in Corinth he says, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Cor 12:7)." Paul is telling the people in this local church that each person has some gift that benefits the local church as a body. Everyone should be going to church, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing (Heb. 10:25)." God puts great importance in gathering with other Christians for corporate worship and service. It would be impossible for the body of Christ to function if all believers never came together. When we see believers tied to one another in Christ we see ourselves as one part of that body. That is why God emphasizes unity so often, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 15:5)."
Our local church is a community of believers. In this community there are servers, teachers, leaders, givers, encouragers, mercy givers, etc. To be using your gift does not mean you have to have on some official church duty. Roles such as giving, encouraging and serving often times are not roles that churches can seek to fill like roles of teaching and leading. You can be actively involved with the calling that God gave you by carrying out your role in any situation within the local church or with its congregation..
Am I called to a local ministry in my Church? Everyone is called to ministry in their local church. It could be teaching a Sunday School class or Bible study, serving with the nursery, offering giving, active encouragement, helping the needy of the congregation, visiting the sick, there are many different callings within the local church.
Interact with Scripture/QuestionsRead Ephesians 4 How are we supposed to treat one another?
In what ways are we unified (vs. 4-5)?
Why does God give people different callings (vs. 11-13)?
What does Paul say we are if we do not understand our calling (vs. 11-14)?
What is special emphasis is given to in how we relate to believers (vs. 2, 16)?
Where do you fit into your local church?
What is God teaching about himself in these passages?
Prayer: Ask God to help you understand your place in the local church.
Scripture ReferencesEPH 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. [2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
EPH 4:7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. [8] This is why it says:
"When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
EPH 4:9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? [10] He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) [11] It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's 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.
EPH 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
EPH 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
EPH 4:20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. [21] Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
EPH 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] "In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
EPH 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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