Wellbeing: An Invitation to a Flourishing LifeSample

Building the Church

When we hear vocation, we can think of occupation or career. While our career fits within our vocation, our vocation is multi-faceted and much broader than what we do for money. Building God’s church is one of the vocations we are all called to. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations and teach them to obey everything He taught. The Church is God’s community of people; it is the body of Christ. It is God’s temple, His dwelling place. The Church should be a community where people come and thrive, but also that looks outwards to bring more and more people into the family.

God has gifted each of us, with natural and Spiritual gifts, for this purpose. This isn’t just for people on the payroll at your church. It’s for everyone who belongs to the Church, anyone who follows Jesus. In Ephesians 4, we read about some gifts: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifts are specifically given to build the church, and it doesn’t mention anything about them getting paid.

These people were given grace as Christ apportioned it; they have been given the gift for these roles. It is not a natural ability but a supernatural gift, a gift from God. Have you ever considered that God may want to gift you in this way? Have you received this gift but never used it? Churches worldwide struggle to find leaders. It’s not because there is any lack within their congregations; it’s because people are not stepping into their gifting. People read things like this and think, “I could never do that”.

If that’s you, you’re probably right, but that’s not what God is asking. God is not asking you to do it. He’s asking you to allow Him to do it through you. That’s what a Spiritual gift is. It’s God’s Spirit working in us and through us to reach others.

Thought Point: What is your role in the church? Could God want to gift you in one of these church building areas? Who could you talk to about this?

Prayer Point: Ask God to fill you with His Spirit. Ask Him to supply you with a passion for His church and give you the power to fulfil that passion.