Healthy, Growing Churches (3)

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5.12

On the Epistle to the Hebrews 9.1
John Chrysostom (344-407)
“I am afraid that this might fitly be said to you also, that though by this time you ought to be teachers,’ you do not hold fast to the rank of learners. Ever hearing the same things on the same subjects, you remain still in the same condition as if you heard no one. If any person should question you, no one will be able to answer, except a very few who may soon be counted. This is no trifling loss. For oftentimes, when the teacher wishes to go on further to touch on higher and more mysterious themes, the want of attention in those who are being taught prevents it.”

As Jesus was sent to sow the Word of the Kingdom, so we also have been sent. Paul commands every believer to let the Word of Christ dwell in him richly, and to be ready to teach and admonish his fellow believers, that we might grow together in doing all things unto the Lord (Col. 3.16, 17). In our churches, we struggle to find teachers for our classes and programs, but we do little to equip all the members of our church to handle the Word of truth. Shepherds must lead the saints to feed on the lush grass of Scripture, beside the still waters of Christ and His Spirit. We must work to ensure that all members of the church are involved in those daily spiritual disciplines that will draw them to Jesus and fit them for good works, and to minister His Word to others. Imagine the fruit that would appear throughout your community if every saint in every congregation were equipped to rightly divide the Word of truth, and emboldened to testify and share of that truth in their daily lives. Here is a vision every shepherd should embrace.

How do you challenge the people you serve to share the Word with the people in their lives?

T. M. Moore

Mission Partners Outreach
The work of ministry is what saints are being equipped for, and which they do in the “as-you-are-goings” of their lives. But the flock of the Lord must be equipped for this calling, and Jesus has set shepherds over the flock to do that work. How can we equip the sheep to live for Christ and be His witnesses? Our Mission Partners Outreach provides the resources and framework for making witness-bearing disciples in your church. Want to learn how it works? Watch this brief video, then contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information. I will show you how to make this ministry work in your church.

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Quotations from Church Fathers are from the Ancient Christian Commentary Series, published by InterVarsity Press.