Growing Up Into Christ: Returning to His Vision for the Church
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, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.—Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV)
We admit: this post might feel a bit like preaching to the choir. You already know Ephesians 4. You’ve taught it, lived it, prayed it. You know the church isn’t a program to run but a people to mature. It’s nothing new.
But in the daily press of ministry—sermons, meetings, logistics—it’s easy to drift from Christ’s greater vision. We begin chasing strategies, refining programs, and trying to do “good work,” but forget the greater work: equipping the saints to grow up into Christ.
At OakHaven, we feel this tension too. It’s tempting to lean into clever strategies or splashy ideas.
But this post is our shared reset. A stake in the ground. A reminder of where we’re headed—together. We hope it renews your clarity and joy as we press on in our common calling: to help the body of Christ grow in love.
Growing Up Together
Let’s be honest: as ministry leaders we can carry the load of church life like it all depends on us. We’ve felt that too. Perhaps that is why we are susceptible to burnout as we serve God.
But right away, Paul reorients us with the reminder that Christ is the Giver and Builder: “He gave… to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11–12). He is the purpose and center of our service; therefore, His purposes must be ours. That means Christ is the cornerstone on which our ministry—yours and ours—must align.
It also gives us a picture of Christ’s heart for His church. It’s not about doing everything for our people but about investing the time to disciple them to grow in truth and love, which in turn trains them to serve alongside with us. In this way, the whole body grows “when each part is working properly” (v.16).
Instead of encouraging a spectator mentality, we help prepare our people to do their part. Every member matters—not just the pastors or staff. Not just the 20% who does 80% of the work. If we want to build our ministries on a biblical vision, then we will quickly realize that equipping is not optional. It’s the very way the church becomes what it is meant to be.
And because this is Christ’s vision for the church, it is the end to which we do our work at OakHaven Ministries as well. Our work with leaders is grounded in the belief that when ministry leaders flourish, they will in turn help others flourish. As leaders are restored and realigned with Christ, they’re strengthened to equip their people.
That’s why this passage centers all of us. It helps us remember that faithfulness to Christ and His mission, not merely busyness, is our calling. And it invites us to reorient toward a deeper vision: a church growing up into Christ, together.
With that common goal, let’s consider some principles and practices to help us toward that end.
Principle 1: Lead with the End in Mind
If growing up in every way into Christ is the goal, then we need to start here when planning any program, event, or activity. Reevaluate your current ministries in light of Ephesians 4: Are they producing mature disciples? Starting with this end and working backwards as we plan can help us align ourselves to this goal of maturity in Christ.
Principle 2: Equip, Don’t Entertain
It’s easier to draw a crowd than to disciple one. But entertainment doesn’t form endurance. Teach with formation in mind: How does this help people grow in love, knowledge, and unity? Shape events (such as retreats, VBS, etc.) with a view to developing people, not just drawing them in.
Principle 3: Restore Your Own Alignment
Before we can equip others, we must be centered in Christ ourselves. We want to model a vibrant faith, not just preach about it. Schedule soul care rhythms that are not “another task,” but a means of abiding. Seek accountability from a friend or counselor to keep your heart nourished in grace.
Principle 4: Shepherd People into the Vision
Your congregation may not yet see what you see. Remember: you may have had years of training that might be new to them. So, bring them along gently: small group leaders, ministry heads, parents. Teach and preach a biblical vision of church life (like Ephesians 4) regularly and clearly.
Principle 5: Partner with Equippers
Remember: we are part of a Body. Each local church is a small representative, no matter what size, of what Christ is building in full. As we serve Him locally, we are also corporately building up His Body universally. Start by identifying, affirming and partnering with the equippers already in your church: disciplers, teachers, shepherds, but also consider partnering with other ministries to strengthen your church body.
Remember and Realign
Like we said in the beginning, we at OakHaven need this reminder as much as anyone else. Even now, as I seek to produce content for this blog, it’s easy to drift, to default to “doing,” to forget the deeper purpose.
So let’s take a moment to realign, to pray.
Ask God to show where you’ve drifted from Christ’s equipping and discipling mission.
Seek His guidance in how to restore your vision so that it aligns with His.
Pray for a partner in ministry to keep you accountable to His vision, especially in busy seasons.
And thank Him for His grace and mercy as we follow Him into this great and wonderful mission of building up His Church.
May Christ, the Head of the Church, gently lead you back to His vision—and give you strength and joy as you equip His people to grow up into Him, in every way.