Prayer for the growth of the body of Christ
By Chelsey Dematteis
Bible Reading:
“And he equipped the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers with saints for the ministry’s work, to build the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12
Listen or read:
I will never forget that I was invited to sit at a church ministry table for the first time. I often tell people that my first real ministry experience is a gift of grace. You know, I was 22 years old and wasn’t married yet. I had no testimony of walking with Jesus since I was young. Mine was totally the opposite. It was full of rebellion and a great awakening to understand the need for the Savior.
This room was filled with women and welcomed me with open arms. They loved my passion and desire to grow, understanding who God was and everything he wanted for my life. So they invited me. They created a place for me and my talent – they could see where God wanted me. They were, as the Bible puts it, “equipped me, and built me up for the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
As early churches focused on training their followers, much of Paul’s letters and Jesus’ message was to “do” and “communicate” the good news of the gospel and “sharing” all messages that “hear” this message of hope.
The beauty of this committee is that we knew that God demanded people of diverse talent to carry out this mission. You need someone who loves to be in front of a large group, someone who loves to pray with quiet disciples at night, enjoying one-on-one disciples, planning gatherings and preparing meals for others. The list can last forever, as God has a plan and purpose to use all his followers to convey his message.
We are looking for churches across the country, and for that, for those who are willing to serve in a talented way. They may not spell it that way, but they should be if they are not. The greatest blessing to the Church is the prosperous body, and we thrive as a body when we carry out our concrete gifts for the glory of God.
The Bible conveys this in many ways:
We have different gifts depending on the grace given to us, so let’s use them on us. For service, our serving. The one who teaches in his teachings. The person he recommended to me in his recommendation. A generous contribution. An enthusiastic and leading person. A cheerful and merciful person. Romans 12:6-8 each received a gift. We use it to serve each other as good stewards of God’s diverse graces. Anyone who serves as those who serve by the power that God supplies, so that God can praise Him through Jesus Christ. For him, glory and Dominion will be forever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11 NOW There are different kinds of gifts, but they have the same spirit. And there are types of service, but they are the same master. And there are various activities, but it is the same God who gives all those things all the power. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
How can you use your talent now this season? Does your church know what you want to do? Or, if you don’t know what you’re doing, what primarily burns your mind? Whichever question you answer, take your time to sit in prayer with the Lord and how you can serve Him and the Church.
If you spend time with him, talk to fellow church members about coming with you to miss this gift. Accountability is another great blessing that comes from the body of Christ. We weren’t going to do this job on our own. It is essential that we have someone to be accountable and pray for us. If you find your help, if the Lord calls you to take this to your church, you can pray as an area where they can grow their mission.
Again, the church is looking for an ambitious ship. People who are hungry for God and His Word and want salvation for others! I pray that it will become a ship. I ask God to fill you, and pour out thee, as you will serve Him faithfully, as He will give you. The church needs you and God has given you a great gift with purpose.
Let’s pray:
Thank you, Father, for the incredible blessing of spiritual talent. What an honor to use the way you created me to bring your heart closer to Jesus. Help me grow in faith. Please tell me the wisdom and understanding I need when I travel with you. Please help me realize my flaws and stir up my hunger for being with you. I pray that the whole body of Christ may be a ship with joy and ready to serve you with a heart of anticipation. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo credit: ©istock/getty images plus/wdnet
Chelsea is the voice of my life, who lives a life of Christ in a world that is hardly podcasts and devoted to him for 52 weeks, who lives a life of Christ in a world that is centered around me. She writes Lifeway Women’s Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and Devotions for Ibelieve.com. She also writes a Bible Reading Plan for the Youversion Bible app. Chelsea lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and her website chelseydematteis.com.
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