This past weekend at Eastbrook Church, I continued our series “Ephesians: A Crash Course in Basic Christianity,” by looking at Ephesians 4:1-16 with the message: “A Crash Course in Church Growth.” The message aims to recalibrate our understanding of what church growth is all about by focusing on the direction of growth outlined by the Apostle Paul in this chapter. Along the way, I spend some time discussing what it means to walk worthy of our calling, what is the fivefold ministry and what does it mean now, and a little bit around the topic of individual versus community spiritual growth.

You can watch my message from this past weekend and follow along with the message outline below. You can also engage with the entire series here or download the Eastbrook mobile app for even more opportunities for involvement.

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1)

Growing by Walking (Ephesians 4:1)

The pivot of Ephesians 4:1

The calling we’ve received

Walking worthy of the calling

 

The Fundamental Unity upon which the Church Grows (Ephesians 4:2-6)

Unity within our character with one another (4:2-3)

Unity within the new realities in Christ (4:4-6)

 

The Necessary Diversity in the Unified, Growing Church (Ephesians 4:7-16)

Diversity of grace gifts from Christ the King (4:7-10)

Diversity of grace through fivefold ministers for the Church (4:11-13)

Diversity held in unity through Christ-ward growth of the Church in truth and love (4:14-16)