And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, – Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)

Leaders and Saints

Just the other day, I was struck by this verse. It hit me differently than it ever has before. It tells us the job of all these leaders in our faith. Their job is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Hold on, I thought all those people were doing the ministering. After all, they are the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Aren’t they the ministers?

But this verse says their whole purpose is to equip the saints for ministry. Do you know who the saints are? The saints are believers, followers of Christ, regular folks like you and me. So, when we go to church, our pastor’s job is to get us ready to take on the week. When we go to bible study, the teacher’s job is to build us up. They prepare us to minister in our ordinary lives until we return to be refreshed, equipped, and built up again.

Ministry Beyond the Pulpit

Ministry doesn’t mean standing in a pulpit preaching. It doesn’t even mean having a position in church. Most of us are doing regular ministry every day. It’s in the way we respect our husbands or love our wives. It’s the way we give our children grace and treat them gently. It’s the way we work hard at our jobs (as if working for the Lord Colossians 3:23). It’s in a kind smile to a stranger, a hug for a dear friend, or praying for your neighbor. We minister to each other every second of every day. Ministry is what us regular folks do.

Living as a Minister in Our Daily Actions

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Among other things, I am a yoga teacher and personal trainer. I could look at myself and think that’s my job. Or, I can step into ministry at my job. I can boost my client’s self-esteem by telling her to lift her chin and reminding her she knows more about the technicalities of lifting than most of the men in the weight room. I can speak life over her when I remind her, “You belong in the weight room. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated.” I can show up with energy, happy to see my clients, interested in their life, excited over their victories, and understanding of their challenges.

In the yoga room, I can come with a little extra to class. I can have music that lifts their spirits. I can look everyone in the eye to say ‘hi’ and ‘bye.’ I can remember their names! (It is hard for everyone to remember names, and you’ll never do it without intense effort.) I can bring encouraging quotes, stories, and scriptures to class.

When we begin intentionally ministering in our ordinary lives, something miraculous happens. In a strange turn of events, you become the apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and/or teacher. You become the one building other people up and equipping the saints for every good work.

For more scripture reflections, practice one of my guided meditations on my YouTube channel. 

Reflection Questions

So in this mysterious cycle, you both receive encouragement and you become the person equipping and building others up.

Where do you receive your spiritual nourishment?

What are some simple things you can do to build others up and equip them for the work of ministry?

If you love Callie’s content, you can sign up for her First Forty Challenge. She’s offering free daily meditations for the first 40 days of 2025!