A Mature Church

Nick Jackson (Revival Ministries Australia)

There is only one Church; the church Jesus is building, “on this rock I will build My church” Matthew 16:18.

But how is Jesus building it today? When Jesus ascended to heaven, “He gave gifts to men” Ephesians 4:8. These gifts are “apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers” Ephesians 4:11. They were given for the “equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ” Ephesians 4:12. These gifts serve the whole church, preparing and training God’s people to function as members of His Body.

Some have said there are no more apostles or prophets today. This belief is contrary to clear Scripture which says these gifts were given “until we all come to the unity of the faith, to the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect [mature] man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” Ephesians 4:13. These gifts are given until the church corporately comes to full maturity. This mature Body will fully represent and reveal Christ to the world. The Church hasn’t come to this maturity yet! We still need all the gifts! God’s goal is a mature church!