“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
The church as an institution, populated with the five fold ministries, is to “prepare you for works of service.” The role is to prepare, the work to be done, is outside the church, in the marketplace.
The full expression of our work with God is to be manifested in our daily work, not within the four walls of the church.
However, it is vital to be well connected to a place of worship, where you can be refreshed and prepared as you go out again to minster in the world.
We are called to be “fishers of men” not keepers of the aquarium.
Quick Prayer. “I commit to supporting my local church, show me how I can help.” Amen
Erwin McManus in his book ‘An Unstoppable Force’ writes: … “the church was intended to be a revolution – a movement, not an institution.”
If you looked at the total passage quoted in this blog, the five fold ministry is for the work of the believers – “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ” making this passage a little incomplete in suggesting we take these gifts into the business world. However, if you look at other aspects of the Gospels and Paul’s writings [and other parts of the Bible] and gain and understanding of spiritually at that time, you’ll find that
– Spirituality was for the WHOLE of life. There wasn’t a demarcation [how do you spell that word?!]
– We are to be in the world but not of the world [whether that be our ‘work’ world or ‘home’ world or ‘church’ world]
– That our work life is part of God’s intention for us. At the beginning of time, God shows one of His qualities as being a worker
I could go on – but have work to do of my own! Our role is both inside the church and outside the church – with seamless movement between both.