Trained or not to be trained?

One of the clearest commands given by the apostle Paul to the leadership of the church is that they should equip the saints to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-14). The primary reason for this command centers on Paul's desire that the church would be stable and relationally connected to the head of the church (Jesus Christ, Ephesians 4:14-15).

To achieve this goal, leaders must be trained. Not simply in doctrinal truth, which is absolutely necessary, but in the basics of how to move believers to maturity in their faith. Check out the information on this page for FMC's proposed path of accomplishing this goal. It is the belief of FMC that we pass on our DNA. Therefore, maturity passes on maturity and immaturity passes on immaturity.

FMC is committed to helping each church determine the path that they will pursue as they move their church toward maturity. We call it the Pathway to Maturity. It begins with a clear emphasis on knowing How to Study the Bible. Without the ability to accurately understand the Scriptures, little can be accomplished in our effort to become spiritually mature. Next, the believer is shown the strategic role of the Holy Spirit in being able to take the Word of Truth and apply it to life and ministry (Ephesians 6:17).

This equipping phase leads to having a Biblical Christology. Sadly, many churches have derailed due to the idea that man is in charge. The Scriptures clearly place Christ as the head of the church and makes crystal clear how the body is to connect to the Lord of the church. Having a clear understanding of Christology, the believer is properly positioned to build a biblical picture of the church (Ecclesiology). At this point in the journey to maturity, the believer is helped by understanding those things that might negatively influence their ability to lead the church effectively, through a careful study of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This is based on the belief that it is impossible to become spiritually mature when you are emotionally immature.

Properly positioned under the head of the church, a follower of Christ can now discover his/her giftedness and where they fit within the broader ministry of the church. Having reached a point in his/her journey of faith where they understand how to study the Bible, the role of the Holy Spirit, Christology, and Ecclesiology, the maturing believer turns their heart and mind toward the lost (4 Chair Disccipling). By doing so, the church can consistently live out God's mandate of making disciples who make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20).