Marks Of A Healthy Church

Marks of a Healthy Church

Ephesians 4: 11-16

In the preceding verses of chapter four, Paul has spoken about the unity that is necessary within the body of Christ in order for the church to be effective in daily life and service unto the Lord. Within this necessary unity, there is also beneficial diversity. Each believer is gifted in unique and special ways according to the sovereign plan of God. As the body of Christ comes to together in unity, her diversity enables fulfillment of the tasks individual congregations are called to perform. Such unified diversity seems like a paradox, but in reality, it is a thing of beauty.

In our text today, Paul continues to deal with this matter of unified diversity. It is essential in ministry, and apart from it, local churches will suffer from the body being unhealthy. Healthy churches must strive to promote unity and diversity at the same time. As we examine the essential aspects within the church, I want to consider the: Marks of a Healthy Church.

I. The Ministry of the Church (11-12) – Paul spoke of the gracious provision of our Lord in equipping the church for ministry and providing for her spiritual health and prosperity. Consider:

A. The Leadership (11) – And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. As the Lord sovereignly designed the church, He provided leaders with various gifts to meet the variety of needs she faced. There is much we could discuss in this verse, but we lack the time to deal with it in a sufficient manner. For this study, suffice it to say that the Lord has provided those in positions of leadership to meet the needs of the church.

B. The Labor (12) – For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Paul goes on to reveal the expectations for such unique and varied giftedness among the church. These individual gifts are provided for:

Perfecting of the Saints – This has the idea of preparation of the saints. God uses various spiritual gifts within the leadership to prepare and equip the believers to serve within the church. Many churches have the idea that ministry is reserved solely for paid staff. That is certainly not biblical, but it isn’t the church’s fault entirely. Men of God are called to prepare those within the church to be used of God. We are called to make disciples who make disciples.

Work of Ministry – Those in leadership are expected to prepare believers to carry out the work of ministry. The responsibility of laboring in the harvest is to be shared by all who make up the body of Christ. If you are saved by grace, part of the church, you are expected to be engaged in the ministry efforts of the church. As we will discover, there is a work for all to perform.

Edifying of the Body of Christ – The church is expected to encourage and support those within the body. She is responsible for her continued growth and prosperity. Granted, the Lord will provide the resources and abilities we need, but we are expected to engage in the work of building up the church and pursuing her continued growth!

II. The Maturity of the Church (13-15) – Here we find the purpose behind such collective efforts. As the church is equipped, maturing in the faith, and fulfilling her ministry, it affects the body as a whole. Notice:

A. Her Conformity (13) – Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. This should be the goal of every pastor and every New Testament church. Paul speaks in essence of our sanctification, our conformity to the image of Christ. The church cannot rest until we all stand united in the faith, possessing an intimate knowledge of Christ, being mature in Him, and abiding in the fullness of His grace.

We are currently making progress, but this is a never-ending process. There is always room for continued spiritual growth, and the need to disciple others in the faith.

B. Her Stability (14) – That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Paul was well aware of the relentless attacks upon the church and the dangers they presented. The believer is responsible to be settled in the faith – knowing what they believe and why they believe it. Hearing a message once in a while would not suffice. Pastors and evangelists could not be content to simply proclaim the truth they had embraced, but ensure the body embraced and understood those truths as well. The church was responsible to equip and train its members in sound, biblical doctrine.