Ephesians 4:11-16

1. Ephesians 4:11-16 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

2. Ephesians 4:11-16 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

3. Ephesians 4:11-16 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

4. Ephesians 4:11-16 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

5. Ephesians 4:11-16 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

6. Every MemberInvolvement Ephesians 4:11-16

7. Growth is not: Growth is not automatic – it is a choice. Growth is not instant – it is a gradual process. Growth doesn’t happen by just attending church – you must develop habits.

8. Growth is not: Growth doesn’t happen just by yourself – you need others to grow. Growth is not measured just by beliefs – both beliefs and behavior must change.

9. God has a plan to grow the church • “God gave some to be Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.” • “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 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,…”

10. Nature of these gifts • Apostles • Prophets • Evangelists • Pastor/Teachers

11. The object of this sermon: “…from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” ESV

12. The object of this sermon: “…from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” ESV

13. Several Translations “in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body builds itself up in love.” ISV

14. “Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.” TGNT

15. “The whole body depends on Christ, and all the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part does its own work to make the whole body grow and be strong with love.” NCV

16. Hardin Valley Church of Christ2009 Goals General • End every class in Grades 1 through 5 with an age-appropriate application of the Biblical principle studied during that class. • For each class (Middle school through adult), have one application project related to the studied topic during each quarter. • Develop plans for Sunday morning worship, small group and mid-week meetings that effectively utilize Hickory Creek, and then Hardin Valley facilities.

17. During 2009 develop a curriculum for all Bible classes that • Eliminates duplication of studied topics and maximizes Biblical topics covered in a 3 year span • Emphasizes basic Bible knowledge learning and retention through 5th grade and age-appropriate conceptual understanding and application of scripture from middle school through adult

18. Promote personal spiritual growth in all ministries by an emphasis on scripture application, service, prayer and fasting. • Involve every member in some ministry of the church. • Collect involvement surveys from entire congregation. • Disseminate related information to the effected ministries. • Determine degree of membership involvement • Hold at least one congregational meeting during 2009 for members to discuss any topic of interest or concern to them

19. Hire a secretary for the congregation • Identify ways and provide a plan to enhance our existing college ministry • Develop/Implement a comprehensive plan for transition into Hardin Valley site after completion of Phase I • Develop descriptions for ministry positions

20. Youth • Integrate youth minister more in congregational services. • Involve youth more in our Wednesday evening services.

21. Outreach and Involvement • Conduct at least 6 Hardin Valley community-wide outreach and evangelizing activities • Hold events that provide specific groups with opportunities to build deeper relationships • Retreats (men’s, women’s, youth, families, etc.) • Have at least 50% of members active in some phase of our local outreach or foreign mission efforts

22. Facilities Complete Hardin Valley facility to support a 500-member congregation by December 31, 2009

23. Elders • Identify and meet members’ physical and spiritual needs, especially of those that may be falling away. • Evaluate effectiveness of leadership organization and modify as needed. • Identify ministry areas that need additional assistance in order to be effective. • Pray personally with every member facing family, personal and health concerns.

24. Elders • Establish, conduct and encourage activities that enhance spiritual growth • Age appropriate daily Bible reading • Richer prayer life (Wednesday prayer meetings, mentoring / instruction in how to pray, encouragement for special times of prayer and fasting) • General spiritual mentorship of members struggling with specific issues • Complete elder reaffirmation and selection process by December, 2009

25. Levels of Commitment • Crowd • Committed • Core • Commissioned

26. Flesh on the Body • Flying Geese • It will take all of us working together