Building Up the Body of Christ

Ephesians 4:1-16      Mark 10:35-45                                      Rev. Todd B. Freeman

Bethany Presbyterian Church, Dallas                                                August 3, 2003

The inspiration for this morning’s sermon is taken, in part, out of yesterday’s annual Long-Range Planning Retreat. For it was clear to all of us that this congregation is blessed with many strong, dedicated and diverse leaders - leaders who have answered God’s call to take an active role in guiding, inspiring, and managing the work and life of this congregation.

It was also a very real reminder, at least to me, that if too much of the work of the church falls back upon the pastors and a select few others, then we can lose sight that it’s only through all the lay leaders and individual volunteers working together that the majority of the work and ministry of the church can be – or should be – accomplished.

Witnessing that lay leadership yesterday was a perfect tie-in to today’s assigned lectionary Epistle lesson from Ephesians 4, where Paul instructs the church to, “Equip the saints for the work of ministry.” That’s a clear goal for Daniel and I, as pastors, and for our elders. And it serves as a helpful reminder that God has blessed each and every one of us with a unique set of gifts and talents that we are responsible to develop and share.

How equipped do you feel for the work of ministry? If you don’t feel well prepared, then we have our work cut out for us – on both sides.

The primary goal of equipping ourselves for the work of ministry is also clearly stated in this passage from Ephesians: “so that the body of Christ is built up.” Therefore, and this is extremely important, in all of your dealings and interactions with the people of this congregation and beyond, continually ask yourself, “Is what I am doing or saying or even thinking building up this family of faith? This Presbytery? This denomination? The family of God in general?

For the scripture passage reveals to us that only through the intentional action of building up one another, and therefore the church, can there be any hope of unity. Needless to say, the opposite is also true – tearing another person down only leads to disunity.

Concerning unity – and I know I say this a lot, but it never hurts repeating – there is always diversity.  Unity does not mean that everybody must unanimously agree about every decision made in the church. The Apostle Paul makes that point when he reminds us that each one of us is blessed by God with a different set of gifts and talents. God has intentionally created diversity and has built it into the body of Christ, the Church. So, in case you aren’t already aware of it, know deep in your heart that you have an important contribution to make in seeing that this church functions as it should. Each of you is called by God to do what you are capable of doing in building up the body of Christ, the Church - this church.

God is glorified, and we are blessed, each and every time we experience the building-up of this congregation. And that includes even the smallest gestures – like a smile, or a “como estas?”

And while this is everybody’s responsibility, it especially falls upon church leaders. In this month’s church newsletter, which most of you received a day or two ago, there is information about nominating elders to serve on the session for the next 3 years. A copy of the Nominating Form is also included as an insert in your bulletin. Please help the Nominating Committee in their work by suggesting an appropriate name or two.

Being elected as an elder is a recognition that God has blessed that person with certain skills for leadership. And with that recognition comes much responsibility, which includes a lot of fulfilling, yet hard work.

Jesus told his overly ambitious and proud disciples in Mark 10, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great leaders exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave to all” (Mark 10:42-44). Our model, then, is to be a servant leader.

As Christians, it is our task to demonstrate to people, through word and deed, God’s forbearance and patience, God’s forgiveness and acceptance, God’s love and compassion, and God’s unlimited power to serve.

After spending the good portion of the day yesterday reflecting upon the future of this congregation, I want to express to you how hopeful we are about our future, even though it continues to be filled with acknowledged uncertainty. And the broad scope of ministry opportunities that lies before us is also a source of excitement. We must trust that God is indeed continually working in and through the life and ministry of this congregation.

For our part, we must be ever mindful of how to carry out the enormous responsibility of church leadership. We must be ever mindful that all we do, say, and think should be for the common good, and for building up the body of Christ.

Build up someone today!

Amen.