Every Believer a Minister: Part 2 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry
In the first part of this series, we explored the biblical truth that all believers are called to the priesthood of ministry. But knowing that everyone is a minister is only part of the equation. The next crucial step is equipping the saints for the work of ministry. This is where church leadership, especially pastors, play an essential role—not by doing the work for the congregation, but by empowering them to step into their calling.
Ephesians 4:11-12 (CSB) gives us a clear picture of the leadership role in the church: "And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." Pastors are not called to do all the ministry, but to equip the saints for it. This is an essential function of leadership—to train and empower the church for ministry in every sphere of life.
Equipping the saints for ministry involves a shift in how we view discipleship and training. It’s not about providing content for the congregation to consume, but about creating environments where every believer can discover their calling and grow in their capacity to serve. This means teaching the saints not only to understand Scripture but also to apply it in practical ways, serving where they live, work, and play.
The goal of equipping is to help believers see that ministry isn’t just about formal church settings—it’s about the daily witness of Christ in their lives. Leaders need to provide opportunities for members to practice and be coached in the skills of discipleship and disciple-making.
As pastors and leaders, our mission is not to do the work of ministry for our people but to help them discover their own roles in God's mission. When we embrace this calling, we create a church where every member is actively living out their faith in tangible ways. This isn’t just a lofty idea; it’s the kind of community that can change lives, not just inside the church, but out in the world, too. So, let’s keep equipping, empowering, and encouraging the saints to step into their roles with confidence.