Ephesians 4:11-14, 16

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;… from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:11-14, 16

While personal spiritual growth is essential, the Bible emphasizes that we are meant to grow together as the body of Christ. So, we should always be contributing to the growth of our local church. Consider the unique gifts and talents God has given you. Are you using them to build up others in the faith?

Think about and look for ways to encourage, serve, or mentor someone in your spiritual family. Knowing that, as each part does its work, the whole body grows and builds itself up in love. Commit to being an active participant in the growth of your faith community, with the promise that we are stronger and more effective when we grow together.

Pastor Wade O’Neill