Growing Together as God's Team

What Does God Say?

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Question 1: What's Your Part?

Paul says that God gives different people different gifts and roles in the church — some teach, some encourage, some serve in other ways. The goal is that everyone gets equipped (trained and prepared) to do ministry together. Think about a sports team: the coach trains each player, but every player has to actually get on the field and play their position.

What is one way you can serve others in your church or family this week? (It doesn't have to be big — even helping set up chairs, praying for someone, or being kind to a younger kid counts!)

Question 2: Are You Growing?

Verse 14 warns us not to stay like little children who get 'tossed to and fro' by every new idea or teaching. Instead, we're supposed to grow up and mature in our faith. That means learning more about Jesus, becoming more like Him, and not being easily confused or tricked by things that aren't true.

What's one thing you've learned about God or the Bible recently that helped you grow? How can you keep growing this month?

Question 3: Truth AND Love

Verse 15 says we should be 'speaking the truth in love.' That means we don't just say whatever makes people feel good (that's not loving if it's not true), and we don't just blurt out truth in a mean way (that's not loving either). Jesus always did both — He told people the truth, but He did it with kindness and care.

Can you think of a time when someone told you the truth in a kind way, and it actually helped you? How can you do the same for someone else?

Question 4: We Need Each Other

Verse 16 says the whole body is 'joined and held together' and that 'each part' has to work properly for the body to grow. In other words, church isn't just about you and your Bible — God designed us to need each other! When one person is missing or not using their gifts, the whole team is weaker.

Who is someone at church (or in your family) who encourages you or helps you follow Jesus? Have you thanked them? How can you encourage someone else this week?

Question 5: One Body, One Mission

In 1 Corinthians 12:18, Paul reminds us that 'God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.' That means God put you in your church family on purpose — you're not there by accident!

But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. (1 Corinthians 12:18)

If God chose to put you in this church, what do you think He wants you to do here? How can you be part of making your church 'dangerous' for God's kingdom (in a good way — standing strong for truth and love)?