Equipping In The Local Church Series

Equipping In The Local Church

God places individuals in local churches so that they can submit to their leaders and learn from them. Spiritual development seldom takes place outside the institution of the church.

Becoming skilled in the things of God is not a destination, but a journey of learning. Fundamental to growth is a commitment to a lifelong journey of learning. Training brings you into contact with people who are on the same journey as you. You can encourage each other, share ideas, and use your gift of prophecy.

1 Kings 19:19-21 - So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, "Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen's equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.

Elisha was not only Elijah’s spiritual apprentice, but he was the only one who caught a double portion of his spirit. Elijah made three attempts to separate himself from Elisha, but Elisha remained obstinately close to him and followed Elijah wherever he went. These actions must have hurt Elisha, but he was never offended and never became angry.

Too many church members are easily offended with leaders who limit their opportunity for personal growth and development. They leave the church when they feel unnoticed or overlooked. Whenever you move into new areas of your Christian walk, God will bring new people into your life who can help you and impart knowledge. You may have to find a new church to take your gifting further if your current church discourages the apostolic and prophetic anointing.

If you want to prepare yourself for the coming anointing, prayerfully consider which church God wants you to submit to and then make a long-term commitment to that church and its leadership so that you can be equipped and mentored. Doing so is a part of being in submission to God. People who cannot submit to earthly leaders may discover that they are unable to submit to God. But make sure you are growing in a local church environment that allows the anointing to flow freely.

Mentoring involves a relationship in which one person helps develop and empower another.

Younger Christians need models of spiritual maturity. If they want to grow spiritually, they will profit immensely from being able to rub shoulders with people who have Godly character and who have built a lifestyle centered on serving the Lord. Having seasoned persons investing in your life will pay huge dividends in your development. It is important to take the initiative to build long-lasting relationships with those that can impart wisdom, knowledge, and experience into your life.

A good mentor can help you grow in your gifting. This could be a pastor in your local church or a mature person who functions in the anointing. Anything you are going to go through has been experienced by someone else. The best teachers are those who are not afraid to share their own experiences and failures. Learn from others who are gifted and experienced in your area of ministry. They have a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience to impart to you.

Build the right relationships

Relationships are important and the people we choose to surround ourselves with should be done with much prayer and consideration. It is important to surround ourselves with people who are like-minded and who love the Lord and who encourage us to pursue and fulfill our calling.

The enemy will try his best to corrupt the good relationship we have with other brothers and sisters in the Lord. We need to do everything possible to preserve the righteous relationships we have, especially with those who build spiritual values into our lives. This includes the relationship with our church and spiritual leaders.

We need to look after our marriages and make sure that it is protected and maintained. We need to encourage our children so that they can grow in their relationship with the Lord. It is our responsibility to prepare the next generation to love the Lord and to be full of faith. It is important to look after our children and to ensure that they are not caught up in the world. Our children will fulfill our own Godly purpose one day so be aware that the devil will try and corrupt them with temptation and sin.