Traditionally when Eph. 4 is taught the focus is on dissecting the definitions of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. These definitions are important and need to be accurately clarified to move the kingdom forward. But regardless of the expression of grace being employed, the function of each is to “equip” the saints for works of service with a view towards the building up of the body of Christ. According to the passage it’s the outcome that is the focus rather than the mechanism. In this post we will consider the matter of equipping; what it’s for and the intended outcome.
It is first necessary to reorient our thinking to the central theme of this chapter which is the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace – not the man-made invention of the five (or four) fold “ministry.” We must be mindful that the purpose of apostles, prophets, etc is to activate the grace for ministry (service) that has been given to each believer – not be the “ministry.” We must be clear that the body grows as a result of each member fulfilling their respective part. Those apportioned the grace to equip must do just that – equip. So then understanding what equipping is becomes significant.
Thanks to the Greeks, Western society has become enamored with rhetoric and oratory. A preacher or teacher who can tell a good story or captivate an audience with their communication skills is often considered to be anointed. Certainly there are those with a grace to speak, and we are blessed by that grace. However, it is not by words of human wisdom or sophisticated oration that the saints are moved towards maturity, but by an impartation of the grace of God. Grace is spiritual, requiring more than words to be effectively communicated.
Equipping has become synonymous with teaching or delivering a message. Whether one considers themselves an apostle, prophet, evangelist, or shepherd/teacher – most people inhabiting these roles view verbal or written communication as their primary mode of equipping. However, the word translated “equipping” more accurately means to impart the grace of Christ for the purpose of restoring that which has been damaged so that it can fulfill its proper use again.
The word translated “equipping” is the Greek word katartismos. In this form it is only found once in the New Testament: Eph. 4:12. But its root word katartizo is found in several places including,
- Matt. 4:21 where James and John were “mending” their nets.
- Gal. 6:1 where Paul encourages us to “restore” such a one who is given over to temptation.
- 1 Cor. 1:10 and 2 Cor. 13:11 where Paul is encouraging the saints who are divided to be “made complete.”
As with any word there are multiple applications that require differing translations. However something that stands out with this word is that its general use implies repair. The general thinking is that equipping is akin to outfitting a climber who is preparing to make an ascent: and certainly that nuance is present in this word. However, a more accurate analogy would include the backstory that the climber has attempted this trek before and failed. She fell, broke her leg, suffering discouragement and was disheartened to even try again. Until “equippers” came and imparted grace to her. Not only by instructing her on better climbing strategies, but more importantly walking with her through the restorative process with a view towards seeing her return to climb again.
We must reorient our thinking from a teaching-based model of equipping to a wholistic model that seeks to mend, repair, and return to service. Certainly we equip the saints by teaching them the way of God more accurately, however equipping goes far beyond instruction to encompass laboring with the saints for total restoration of spirit, soul, and body. If we view equipping as primarily instruction then we are only imparting a fraction of the grace we are endowed with. As well, we are alleviating our responsibility to actively engage the people of God.
In future posts to this series we will explore concrete ways to equip the people of God that extend our concept of equipping to a more wholistic view.
