This Sunday, Shirley and I visited Wayside Chapel in Sedona AZ. The church has been studying the book of Ephesians. During the Sunday School Hour, (yup, even on vacation we take the opportunity to join with others in the study of God's word), we were looking over Eph.4:11- 16 -

"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." 

Through the efforts of the "five fold ministry", we "grow up"! Individually and corporately. We are to "grow up in every way" verse 15. I am joined together with others that are "growing up" as well and if each of us is "working properly", the body grows and builds itself up in love.

As Director of Christian Education at Mountain View and part of that "five fold ministry", my goal is to:

• To provide Biblical teaching to build up and equip the men, women, youth, and children of our fellowship through the study of both the Old and New Testaments, and to evaluate and teach other materials that are consistent with and help to explain Biblical truths.
• To promote through teaching the key Biblical concepts of  discipleship and encourage service to the local body;
• To provide opportunity, training, and mentoring for those interested in joining MVCA’s" Teach Corps".

Sunday School for the children and adults as well as the Adult elective programs provide a means for ALL members to "grow up". We invite you to bring your families and join us Sunday Mornings as well Sunday evenings for opportunities to "grow up" with us. Are you single? Then bring your family of one.

It's a process, it doesn't happen over night but it does happen. 1 Peter 1: 5 - 8 shows a progression, first encouraging us to "make every effort to supplement your faith", suggesting the next step and then finishes with "For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

May we continue to desire to be "effective" and "fruitful" as the days pass. 

Blessings
Jeff