Equip | Week 3

Introduction: Equip is what we have been talking about the last couple of weeks. Its a big element that is missing in a lot of churches. The statement, “that’s the pastors or staffs job or responsibility” is commonly used or thought. We have learn from scripture that it is indeed the opposite that is true. Pastors and church leaders have been given and placed by God as gifts to each local assembly of people. Not to do the all work of the ministry but to equip those that gather for the work of the ministry. Equipping is not optional. Its the tool, that if used properly, will most certainly alleviate much of the head ache and heart ache that is commonly associated with “church”. There should be a desire to both equip and be equipped. Jesus did not save you and I to be a spectator. He didn’t save us to serve him only when it convenient and it doesn’t interfere with our life and lifestyle. No, he saved us to equip us to do just as Acts 1:8 says, (8) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." So God has given us a word for this year and that is Equip. It is the theme and thrust of 2023.