Body Building – “Equipping the Saints for Works of Service”
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…”
— Ephesians 4:11-12
When we hear the phrase “body building,” our minds may jump to protein shakes, gym memberships, and weight racks. But in Ephesians 4, Paul lays out a different kind of body-building plan—one that strengthens the Body of Christ. It’s not about bulking up physically, but growing in unity, maturity, and Christlikeness as each member serves according to their calling and gifting.
Called to Equip, Not Just Do
Pastors have a sacred and vital role: to preach the Word and administer the Sacraments faithfully. But Paul reminds us of another key aspect of this calling—to equip God’s people for their works of service.
This is a powerful shift in perspective. The work of ministry isn’t meant to be done by the few, but through the many. Those called into the Office of Public Ministry are not just doers of ministry—they are multipliers. They serve the Church by empowering the Priesthood of All Believers to live out their faith actively, both when the Church is gathered and when it is scattered.
One Body, Many Gifts
Paul unpacks this even further in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, using the metaphor of the Body to describe how every believer has a part to play. We’re not all eyes. We’re not all hands. But each one of us is vital.
When each believer knows their role and embraces it in love and service, the Body of Christ is built up. We move toward unity in the faith and maturity in Christ. As Paul writes, we attain “the whole measure of the fullness of Christ”—Christ living His life fully in us and through us.
Martin Luther captured this beautifully:
“Surely we are named after Christ, not because he is absent from us, but because he dwells in us, that is, because we believe in him and are Christs one to another and do to our neighbors as Christ does to us.”
This is the heart of the Christian life—becoming little Christs to one another in love and service. “Each one should become as it were a Christ to the other,” Luther continues, “that we may be Christs to one another and Christ may be the same in all.”
So How Do We Equip the Saints?
If we take Paul’s call seriously, how do we, as pastors and church workers, help build up the Body by equipping others? Here are some practical ideas:
- Start with Identity and Calling
Help your members discover their God-given identity and calling. Host workshops or small group studies on Luther’s teaching on vocation—how our everyday lives are part of God’s mission. Emphasize that their “ministry” isn’t limited to Sunday mornings but extends to their homes, workplaces, and communities. - Use Tools for Gift Discovery
Provide assessments to help everyday believers discern their God-given gifting, and coaching conversations that help people uncover how they’ve been uniquely wired to serve. Invite testimonies and storytelling that inspire others to see their place in the Body. - Create a Culture of “Equipping” Not Just “Volunteering”
Avoid the temptation to simply fill slots. Instead, frame every opportunity in terms of spiritual growth and service. Equip people with training, coaching, and encouragement so they’re not just filling a need but living out their calling. - Preach and Teach with Empowerment in Mind
Weave Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 themes into sermons, reminding the Church that they are active participants in God’s work. Highlight stories of everyday saints doing extraordinary things in their ordinary callings. - Develop Congregational Coaches & Mentors
Train lay leaders to walk alongside others in discovering and deploying their gifts. Peer coaching and mentoring relationships can be powerful for accountability, encouragement, and growth. - Commission and Celebrate
Publicly affirm people stepping into new acts of service—whether that’s teaching Sunday School or starting a prayer group at their workplace or starting new community outreaches. Bless them, pray over them, and remind the congregation that thisis the work of the Church. - Encourage Daily Faithfulness
Use language like “faithful presence”and “sentness”to help members see their daily lives as arenas of God’s mission. Provide devotionals, prayer resources, and Sabbath practices that help fuel this rhythm of service.
The Church is at its best when every member is equipped, engaged, and empowered—when pastors preach and prepare others for ministry. That’s true Body Building! And when the Body of Christ is built up, Jesus is revealed more clearly in our communities, our families, our workplaces, and our world.
God’s richest blessings and let’s keep building!
