11. Ephesians 4:12-16 Equipped for Ministry + PDF teacher's notes

In one sense, and without pressing the analogy too far, church leaders are to be coaches on the sidelines who equip the church to be the players on the field. The saints are in the “ministry” (4:12) as surely as are any church leaders.

Each believer has a sphere of influence and a God-given spiritual gift that is to be used to serve others. In as much as there are many more non-leaders than there are leaders, if nothing else than through sheer numbers the non-leaders do far more ministry than do the leaders.

Prophets equip the church through the encouragement of their prophecies and prepare the church to face tough challenges. Teachers equip the church to know right from wrong through their teaching and also in training others how to teach. Evangelists build up the church by adding to its numbers but they are to also equip the rest of the church in how to evangelize.