Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Kent explores the meaning of the word "ekklesia," the Greek word translated as "church" in the New Testament. He explains that ekklesia literally means "the called out ones" and refers not to a building or a service, but to the people of God themselves. The church is described as God's team in the world, called to advance His kingdom together, not as passive spectators but as active participants. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-16, Pastor Kent unpacks the various leadership roles Christ gives to the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) and clarifies that their purpose is to equip every believer for works of service. He challenges the congregation to move from a consumer mindset to a contributor mindset, growing from spiritual infancy into the full maturity of Christ. The sermon calls each person to find their role in the body, get off the bench, and actively engage in the life and mission of the church.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us together today as your called out ones. As we open your Word and discuss what it means to be the church, we ask that you soften our hearts and open our minds. Help us to set aside any distractions or preconceived ideas, and let your Spirit speak directly to each of us. Show us where you are calling us to grow, to serve, and to step off the bench and into the game. We trust that you have something specific for each person in this group today. In Jesus name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one hobby, skill, or talent you have that most people in this group probably do not know about?

Key Verses

• Ephesians 4:11-12
• Ephesians 4:13
• Ephesians 4:14
• Ephesians 4:15-16

Questions

• Before this sermon, how did you typically think about the word 'church'? Has your understanding of it shifted after hearing that the Greek word ekklesia means 'the called out ones'?
• Pastor Kent described the church as 'God's team in the world to advance His kingdom.' What does it look like practically for a team to function well, and where do you see that reflected (or missing) in church life?
• The sermon listed five leadership gifts Christ gives to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Which of these roles do you feel most drawn to, and why?
• Ephesians 4:12 says leaders are given 'to equip his people for works of service.' How does it change your perspective on church to know that the pastor's job is to equip you, and your job is to serve?
• Pastor Kent used the analogy of a basketball game where thousands of people watch a few players do all the work. In what ways have you personally fallen into the role of a spectator rather than a contributor in the church?
• The sermon mentioned that people sometimes prefer large churches because they can remain anonymous and avoid engagement. What fears or hesitations keep people from getting more involved, and how can those be overcome?
• Paul writes in Ephesians 4:14-15 that spiritual maturity means we are no longer 'tossed back and forth' by every new teaching, but instead speak the truth in love. What does spiritual maturity look like in your everyday life and relationships?
• Pastor Kent challenged the group to start small, such as learning the names of people around you and praying for them, before taking on bigger commitments. What is one small, concrete step you could take this week to move from spectator to contributor in your church or community?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific way you can move from being a spectator to being a contributor in your church or community. It does not have to be large. Start by learning the name of someone you see regularly but do not yet know, and commit to praying for them each day this week. If you already know the people around you, take the next step: ask someone how you can serve them, volunteer for a ministry need, or simply show up for someone who is going through a hard time. Come back next week ready to share what you did and what you learned from it.

Key Takeaways

• The word 'church' (ekklesia) means 'the called out ones' and refers to the people of God, not a building or a service. Saying 'church was boring' is really saying that the people were boring.
• Christ Himself gives leadership gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) to the church, and their purpose is to equip every believer for works of service, not to do all the ministry themselves.
• The church was never meant to be a spectator sport. When everyone sits on the bench and watches a few paid professionals do the work, the body of Christ cannot grow or function as God intended.
• Spiritual maturity means growing from infancy into the full stature of Christ. A church full of spiritually mature people, each playing their part, has the potential to meet enormous needs in the world.
• Getting involved does not have to start with a grand gesture. Learning the names of people around you, praying for them, and showing up for others are simple but meaningful ways to begin living as the ecclesia.

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank you for this time together and for the reminder that we are not just attendees of a church but members of your body, your called out ones. Forgive us for the times we have sat on the bench when you were calling us onto the field. Give us the courage to step into the roles you have prepared for us, and give us the humility to start small and grow from there. Help each person in this group to take at least one step this week toward being a contributor rather than a consumer. May we grow together into the full maturity of Christ, speaking truth in love and serving one another well. We love you, and we trust you to do more through us than we could ever do on our own. In Jesus name, amen.