EQUIP

The Equip team focuses on providing opportunities for all age groups to study the Word and to grow in their discipleship.

Denise O’Rourke

In Ephesians 4:11-13 we learn that “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” (NRSV)

God’s desire for each person is that he/she lives by faith in Christ, and to become more like Jesus. This process is called discipleship. To be faithful to God’s call as Shepherd, we need to focus on ways to help people become disciples, as well as grow in their discipleship.

As members of the Church of Christ, the people of St. John Lutheran Church will equip all people in their spiritual growth. We will strive to ensure that all will learn what it means to be called to faith, active in love through baptism, and to connect their faith with life. We will:

• Glorify God as we learn to put Christ first in our lives.

•Inspire and motivate all to be actively engaged in the Word of God.

•Guide disciples to develop the marks of discipleship including prayer, worship, study, service, stewardship, and evangelism.

•Assist seekers as they discover and develop their spiritual gifts.

•Encourage learners to practice faithful stewardship through education of servant lifestyles and by identifying possible ways to serve in ministries using spiritual gifts.

•Act as disciple role models to those around us as we live out transformed lives at home, church, the workplace, and the community.

•Carry out our congregational promise made to individuals and God as we accept baptized members into the church of Christ by actively encouraging and supporting individuals to become the most mature Christian that he/she can become.

•Build bridges of communication and love toward one another, especially the stranger among us, as we teach and promote understanding and acceptance across all generations and within all the varied family structures.