Unity in Diversity Part 3:

Gifts Given for the Church

Ephesians 4:7-13

 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
    and he gave gifts to men.”

9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 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,

Continuing our journey through Ephesians 4 in our “Unity in Diversity” series, we now turn our attention to verses 7 through 13, where Paul discusses the gifts that Christ bestowed upon the church. These gifts are not merely for individual enhancement but are specifically given to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

A Diversity of Gifts for a Common Purpose

“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7, ESV). Here, Paul emphasizes that while our gifts differ in nature and function, they are all given in the grace of Christ. Just as a conductor skillfully assigns different parts to various instruments in an orchestra to create a harmonious symphony, Christ distributes gifts across His body to compose the perfect unity in diversity.

Illustration: Imagine a hospital, where various professionals from doctors and nurses to technicians and administrative staff work together. Each role is crucial; a surgeon’s expertise is useless without the support of nurses or the availability of properly maintained equipment by the technicians. This interdependence illustrates how diversified gifts in the church work together to achieve a common goal: the spiritual health and growth of the community.

The Fivefold Ministry

Verses 11 and 12 introduce us to the fivefold ministry gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds (pastors), and teachers. Each of these roles serves a unique function:

Apostles establish new churches and lay foundations in new faith communities.

Prophets bring insight and foresight, calling the church to faithfulness and repentance.

Evangelists spread the good news, reaching out to those who are not yet part of the faith.

Shepherds (pastors) care for the flock, guiding and nurturing the believers in their spiritual growth.

Teachers expound the truth of Scripture, helping believers understand and apply God’s Word in their lives.

Building Up the Body

The ultimate goal of these gifts is stated clearly in verse 12: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” This equipping process is not just about imparting knowledge or skills, but about fostering spiritual maturity and unity in the faith.

Reflection Questions:

How can you identify and engage with your spiritual gift to contribute more effectively to your church community?

Consider your church’s current dynamics. In what ways can the fivefold ministry better serve to equip the congregation for service and growth?

Growing into Full Maturity

Paul concludes this section by expressing the desired outcome of these gifts: that 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” (Ephesians 4:13). The journey towards maturity involves growing in knowledge, deepening in faith, and expanding in our ability to reflect Christ in every aspect of our lives.

As we close this article, let us ponder the profound responsibility and privilege we have to use our gifts in service to one another, striving towards a mature, unified body that perfectly reflects the glory and love of Christ.

In our next article, we will examine the practical aspects of how these gifts can be discovered and developed within the church context. Join us as we continue to explore how embracing our diversity in gifts enriches our unity and effectiveness in serving God’s kingdom.