Equip

"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, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."

Ephesians 4:11-14

Equipping believers in the church is not as a task reserved for the elite or the pastoral staff, but as a foundational calling for every member of the body of Christ. The church is a dynamic workshop rather than a spectator sport. When we step off the sidelines and onto the "field," utilizing our unique gifts, the truth of Scripture, and the support of one another, we all mature in the likeness of Christ and advance the Gospel in daily life.

Key aspects of Equipping include:

Ministry is for everyone: Ministry is not just the role of pastors or religious leaders, but the calling of every follower of Jesus.
Defining "Equip": Equipping means to mend, restore, and prepare individuals so they are functional and ready for their specific roles in the body of Christ.
The role of Scripture: God's word is described as the essential "training manual" and the "armory" needed to stand firm in faith and fight against spiritual battles.
The church as a workshop: Unlike a spectator sport where people watch from the stands, the church is likened to a workshop where everyone has tools and a purpose to build the body of Christ together.
Spiritual Maturity: The ultimate goal of equipping is to help believers reach spiritual maturity, preventing them from being swayed by false teachings and enabling them to grow into the likeness of Christ.

The church's call to equip means we need to step onto the "field," pick up the tools we have been given, and actively engage in the mission God has placed before us, whether it be teaching, serving, or encouraging others.