What’s Holding You Back?

What’s Holding You Back?
“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.” –Ephesians 4:11-12

 Paul, the author of Ephesians, saw the role of the church in the kingdom of God in a very specific way. Paul describes the job of the church in two words: “to equip.” Church leaders – pastors, elders, and deacons – exist to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” The word “saints” in this verse could simply be translated “congregation.” Biblical ministry is not a work done by a few professionals – our ordained church leaders and staff. Instead, Biblical ministry is a work done by many – in fact by all who call themselves Christians. Church leaders exist to equip Christians to do this work well.

With that paradigm of ministry in mind, I have a question for you. What’s holding you back from doing the ministry God has called you to? That’s not a rhetorical question. I really want to know.

When you consider inviting a friend or neighbor to church, what stops you?

When you consider inviting a dechurched co-worker over for dinner, what makes that conversation difficult for you?

I want to know because I want to help. Intentionally building relationships to share the gospel is new to most of us. We need to be taught. We need to be equipped.

So how can our church make ministry easier for you? How can we better equip you for the work of ministry?

Comment below or send in your feedback to the church office. We are excited to hear from you!

Your Pastor and Friend,
John Knox Foster