Introduction
The roles and gifts of leadership in an environment can make or break it. We have all seen businesses, schools, families, and even churches suffer under poor leadership. Having wise people at the top with a strong sense of their calling and exercising it well breathes life into an organization. Today we will learn about life-giving leadership gifts in the church and why they matter.

Today’s Scripture
Ephesians 4:11-13 (New Living Translation)

"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ."

Explanation and Reflection

This passage contains more than we can cover today, but let us first discover all these leadership gifts and then (more importantly) discuss their intended outcomes.

Let’s define the leadership gifts here. It’s important to note a few things before jumping into the gifts themselves. First, this leadership list is not comprehensive or complete. Other leadership gifts in the Bible are not listed here—these are just a sampling. Second, it’s important to note that these are gifts, not church offices like the formal office of elder. Third, the gifts of apostles or prophets are not as authoritative as they were in the Old and New Testaments. When these gifts are exercised today, we are not getting new “scripture.” The Bible is complete and cannot be added to or taken away from.

Apostles are delegates, messengers, and those sent forth with orders. They are people sent on a mission for God. Today, apostles are often associated with people who start new churches or Christian ministries. These leaders are missionaries both locally and globally.
Prophets are leaders filled with God's Spirit, who speak with God's authority to share His message and help people find salvation. In Christian gatherings, the Holy Spirit guides them to speak, giving them the power to teach, comfort, encourage, correct, and inspire others. These leaders are skilled at understanding and sharing God's wisdom with others.
Evangelists are literally “bringers of good news.” They are leaders with the gift of sharing the Gospel and helping equip others to share their faith.
Pastors are synonymous with shepherds. These leaders are called to care for the flock, protecting and nurturing church members. They are gifted with care.
Teachers are leaders who know God’s truth well and can explain it to others. They challenge and encourage listeners to hear God’s word and live it out. They are usually gifted in study and public speech.

Now that we have explored all the leadership roles identified here, let’s talk about why they exist.

1. To Equip
   All these roles exist to equip people within the church to live on mission for Jesus. The church is called to be a training center, preparing people to live out their faith in the world.
2. To Build Up
   Another goal for these gifts in the church is strengthening the body. The church is vulnerable when these gifts are not filled or filled poorly. Church leadership is the backbone of the local congregation. Without it, the church isn’t going anywhere.
3. To Unify
   While exercising these roles in the local church can cause friction and even divisiveness, one of the primary goals of these gifts is unity. These leaders bring the church together through alignment in doctrine and behavior.
4. To Mature
   The final result of all these gifts and outcomes is ultimately maturity. As disciples, we are called to grow up (Hebrews 5:12-14). Long-term immaturity is unacceptable in the church, and these leaders exist to ensure it is not enabled.

In wrapping up this discussion about leadership, don’t assume that this lesson doesn't apply to you. Whether you lack all the gifts mentioned above or are not in a leadership role in the church, you are not off the hook. We all have times when we are called to act like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, even if we don’t have these gifts. The gifts of church leadership are something we should learn, appreciate, and aspire to. Understanding these roles and gifts is essential to appropriately support our leaders as they seek to guide the church.

Question of the Day
Here's a question for you to think about and apply:
Among the leadership gifts above, which gift has blessed you lately? What difference did that leadership role make in your life?