In Ephesians 4:11-16, we are instructed about the means by which the Church grows up into maturity. God givescertain people to the church to equip all believers for ministry (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors andTeachers). Then as each part is doing their job, they build up the body of Christ to maturity and the stature of thefullness of Christ. Paul goes on to describe what must take place for this growth to occur:

1. Speaking the Truth in Love – The truth is found in the person and work of Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the Way,the Truth and the Life”. So, speaking the truth in love is another way of saying – “Speak the Gospel to oneanother.”

2. In Ministry (and on mission) – The way in which the body is built up is through each part ministering tothe others (v. 16). It is in ministry and on mission that we become aware of where each of us is need ofbeing built up in the Gospel. The areas of deficiency in our belief in the Gospel show up when we arecalled to Love Others and Makes Disciples.

Therefore, in order to grow up in Christ and help others grow up in Christ, we need to be Gospel Fluent and call people to live lives that both demand the power of the Gospel and reveal where we are not living in the truth ofthe Gospel.