Ephesians 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

ABSTRACT

The community’s mission thrives when we actively share the gospel, equipping each member to serve independently and vibrantly in God’s work.

EQUIPPING THE COMMUNITY FOR SERVICE

God calls us to equip the community for active service, not merely to maintain spiritual routines. Sr. White states, “God has not given His ministers the work of setting the churches right. No sooner is this work done, apparently, than it has to be done over again” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 18, 1902). This repetitive cycle results in church members becoming “religious weaklings” because they rely too heavily on ministers for spiritual guidance instead of seeking God’s direction independently. If ministers dedicated their time to reaching the unconverted rather than continually ministering to those already familiar with the truth, there would be far greater advancement in God’s work. Scripture reveals, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, KJV). Likewise, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). Sr. White further emphasizes, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” (Gospel Workers, p. 352, 1915). She also writes, “Every soul whom Christ has rescued is called to work in His name for the saving of the lost” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 191, 1900). Empowering the community to serve independently strengthens our collective mission. How can we foster a vibrant faith that actively engages in God’s work?

PREVENTING SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS

Focusing too heavily on nurturing the community can weaken our spiritual vitality. Sr. White observes, “It weakens those who know the truth for our ministers to expend on them the time and talent that should be given to the unconverted” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 18-19, 1902). The continuous focus on nurturing those already in the faith results in a lack of motivation to actively engage in spreading the gospel. Church members often come to services with nothing to share about blessings received from the previous week because they have not been active in witnessing or sharing their faith. This spiritual stagnation is a direct consequence of the church’s dependence on ministers for spiritual growth rather than engaging in the work of God themselves. Scripture affirms, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10, KJV). Similarly, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, KJV). Sr. White notes, “The idea that ministers are to spend their time in doing work that God has appointed to others, is a mistake” (Review and Herald, March 22, 1887, par. 10). She also states, “The greatest help that can be given our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 19, 1902). Teaching the community to serve actively prevents spiritual stagnation and builds a stronger church. How can we inspire each other to share our faith boldly?

LEADING IN OUTREACH

Our primary duty is to lead the community in outreach, not merely to maintain those already in the faith. Sr. White emphasizes that ministers are “not to spend their time laboring for those who have already accepted the truth” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 19, 1902). Instead, their efforts should be directed toward winning new souls to Christ, planting new churches, and then moving on to other fields where the gospel has not been preached. This approach encourages church members to take responsibility for their spiritual growth and to work together in spreading the gospel. It also prevents the development of a dependency on ministers, ensuring that the church remains strong and active even in the minister’s absence. Scripture supports this, stating, “And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Romans 10:14-15, KJV). Additionally, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Ministers should not do the work which belongs to the church, thus wearying themselves, and preventing others from performing their duty” (The Southern Watchman, April 10, 1906, par. 8). She further advises, “Let the churches be organized into working bands, and let them carry forward the work appointed them” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 29, 1900). Leading in outreach fosters a self-sustaining, mission-driven community. How can we expand our efforts to reach those who have not yet heard the gospel?

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN MINISTRY

We should not expect constant preaching but should actively share the gospel ourselves. Sr. White advises that while it is appropriate for ministers to occasionally give sermons filled with the life and love of Christ, the church should not expect a sermon every Sabbath (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 19, 1902). Instead, members should be taught to work for God, share the knowledge they have received, and rely on Christ for guidance rather than depending on the minister. This approach ensures that the church remains spiritually vibrant and active, with members who are equipped to carry out the work of the ministry themselves. Scripture declares, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9, KJV). Likewise, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8, KJV). Sr. White notes, “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898). She also states, “The work of God is to be carried on by those who are willing to be used by Him in any capacity” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 117, 1909). Encouraging active participation strengthens our faith and mission. How can we cultivate a church where every member is a missionary?

EMPOWERING A MISSION-DRIVEN CHURCH

Empowering the community to spread the gospel is the heart of ministry, not constant nurturing of those already in the faith. Ministers are called to equip the church for service, fostering a self-reliant and mission-driven congregation that is capable of continuing God’s work even in the minister’s absence. By teaching church members to depend on God and engage in ministry work themselves, ministers help build a strong, spiritually vibrant church that is focused on evangelism and growth rather than mere maintenance. Scripture affirms, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Romans 12:5, KJV). Additionally, “And he said unto them, The harvest is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9, 1911). She further states, “Every member of the church should feel that he is individually responsible for the advancement of the cause of Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 114, 1882). This empowerment model aligns with biblical principles, ensuring a vibrant, mission-driven church. How can we remove barriers to fully embrace our role in God’s mission?

REMOVING REPROACH THROUGH ACTION

Actively engaging in God’s work removes reproach from the community and fulfills our divine calling. Merely teaching or instructing members will not suffice; there is a crucial aspect that must be addressed to truly remove the reproach from the church. When we actively participate in spreading the gospel, we demonstrate our commitment to God’s mission, strengthening our faith and witness. Scripture declares, “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18, KJV). Similarly, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27, KJV). Sr. White notes, “The church that does not work for others will soon cease to be a living church” (Review and Herald, August 14, 1900, par. 12). She also states, “God expects personal service from everyone to whom He has entrusted a knowledge of the truth for this time” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19, 1909). Active engagement transforms the community into a beacon of truth and hope.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV).

For more articles, please go to www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS

How can I deepen my personal study of God’s mission, allowing these truths to shape my character and priorities?

How can we present the call to active service in ways that resonate with diverse audiences, from seasoned members to new seekers, while maintaining theological clarity?

What misconceptions about our role in ministry exist in my community, and how can I use Scripture and Sr. White’s writings to address them gently yet effectively?

In what practical ways can our congregations become vibrant witnesses of God’s mission, living out the call to evangelism and service?