Equipping for works of service

How will ELS equip the saints this month? By uniting the Elim family around five empowering God-given “graces”, says Mark Pugh. Chris Rolfe reports.

Ephesians 4:11-13 says: “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service so the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith.” The apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral and teaching ministries mentioned here were like Jesus’ parting gift to “equip the saints for service”, says Mark Pugh.

They are five keys to faith-building and outreach, yet they often go misunderstood and uncelebrated. That’s why, at this month’s ELS, the Elim family will take time out to recognise and honour them together.

“We’ll explore how we as a movement can release and express them in our lives, how we can honour them in one another in unity,” he says.

Graces

Before we go any further, it’s important to choose the right word to describe them, Mark says. “Gifts” or “graces” are both options, but he prefers “graces”.

“A gift is something that’s given to someone then it’s theirs to use as they see fit, whereas a grace feels like it has a connection to its giver.

“I use the term graces because it reminds me that these ministries are not owned or about status but are given through the generosity of the Spirit. We must remain connected to him in order to steward and operate them well.”

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