“He himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teacher to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” Eph. 4:11-12 (NRSVue)

I like building things. I recently bought some studio furniture that came neatly packaged in flat boxes barely two inches thick. My husband offered to build them for me and when I declined his help, he offered his power tools, I declined them also. I explained that these are relatively easy pieces to put together and having built some other pieces from the same manufacturer that were more complex than these particular pieces, I was confident that I had the skills and ability to complete the job to my satisfaction. It isn’t that I don’t appreciate his help or his tools, I like the satisfaction of building these things and then outfitting them the way I want them to be. As ministers and leaders of the church, it is equally important that we enjoy the work of building the church to God’s satisfaction but also for the joy of watching others grow into their unique gifts and abilities that will expand the church and it’s impact on the world.

The text above is one that I return to frequently because it reminds me of the calling God placed on my life. In it, I understand the ministry gifting God gave me, but the more important part is not the title or the office, but the reason for the gifting, to equip and build up the church. Some will read this text and be more focused on which ministry office they want to be identified with and completely loose sight of the purpose of the various ministries. It is nice to be called a title. It is good to know exactly what God called us to be. But we must not stop there. Paul reminds us in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 that spiritual gifts are never meant to be stand alone operations but they must work in concert with the others. A truly thriving church will do that, but only if the understanding in Eph. 4:12 is applied to the working of the gifts. When I read this text, I get centered on the unique calling God gave me and it provides a means to gauge how effective I may or may not be in carrying out the calling.

It is that time of year for me, when I will make a report of the ministry for the past year. Statistics will be given, improvements to the church building and an outline of church programs will be highlighted. We will acknowledge new converts and new members but also the exit of some and the passing of other members. Statistics alone cannot measure the work of the church. The true measure of the health of the church is how and if the members have grown spiritually, matured in faith and begun to walk in their gifts. As the pastor, I am constantly keeping my eyes on the church as a whole and on the individuals as well. When I see someone try new activities, hear someone give their testimonies of how God has blessed them, or watch someone engaging in their spiritual giftings for the work of the Gospel, I am satisfied, that the job is being done, the saints are being equipped and the church is being built up. It gives me as much pleasure as building my own studio furnishings. However, there are times when it seems that there is no growth, no maturing or building happening. If it’s a construction piece I am working on, I have to review the instructions and make sure that I did all the steps correctly and make the necessary adjustments. If it’s the church, I have to review the instructions (the Bible) and make sure that I am doing what I am commanded and called to do to make the necessary adjustments. The problem solving is just as much a part of the building as the actual construction work. That is also something I like to do.

It seems God knew just who I was and what I like to do when He called me into this ministry and gave me the gifts I needed to accomplish His will. I like building things.