It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be BUILT UP until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  Eph 4:11-13

This week will be my last week in this current preaching series on Ephesians.  I admit, it was curiosity that drew my attention to this book as a way to begin my time at Westminster.  But the instruction and encouragement about our congregation’s life together has been helpful – even powerful.  We have talked about unity, forgiveness, service, reaching out, Christian life, house rules…  the list goes on.  And yet, the phrase that stays with me more than any other is “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…”

Coming to the congregation, there was lots of talk about growth.  Every week, I receive some sort of mailing about church growth programs.  Yet, I find myself drawn to the idea that the church is meant to be built up – a much richer and fuller goal.  As we serve God, serve one another, serve our neighborhood, serve our world, then God’s church is built up – bringing us ALL to unity and the fullness of Christ.  The Church is built up: it grows in faith, grows in maturity, grows in service, grows in worship, grows in worshipers – it grows every which way.  And isn’t that the point?