Awake Nations Australia

Welcome to the Power of Five podcast! In this episode, Glenn Bleakney and Dr. Michael Gretchko dive into the book of Ephesians, specifically chapter four. They explore the concept of the fivefold ministry and its significance in fulfilling God's purpose for the church. Ephesians 4 provides insight into the importance of unity, walking worthy of our calling, and utilizing the gifts that Christ has given us.

Understanding the Overall Theme of Ephesians 4

To fully grasp the message of Ephesians 4, it is essential to understand the context of the entire book. Paul wrote the letter to the believers in Ephesus, emphasizing both theology and practical instructions for the church. The first three chapters lay the foundation of theology, highlighting God's purpose for His church. The following three chapters focus on the practical application of the church's purpose in the world.

## Walking Worthy of our Calling

In Ephesians 4:1-17, Paul exhorts the church to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. This passage emphasizes the unity of the Spirit and the importance of maintaining peace and humility within the body of Christ. Paul encourages believers to bear with one another, being eager to maintain unity. The church is called to walk in a way that reflects its identity in Christ, demonstrating love, gentleness, and patience.

## The Role of the Fivefold Ministry

In verses 7-16, Paul explains the purpose of the fivefold ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. These gifts were given by Christ to equip the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ. The fivefold ministry exists to serve the church and help individuals walk worthy of their calling. They provide coaching and equipping, guiding believers in utilizing their spiritual gifts to serve others effectively.

## The Importance of Utilizing Spiritual Gifts

Each believer has been given spiritual gifts according to the measure of Christ's gift. These gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit's work within us. Every gift is essential for the growth and edification of the body of Christ. Just as a sports team functions best when every member understands their position and contributes to the team's objective, the church thrives when every believer understands and utilizes their spiritual gifts.

## Connecting the Body of Christ

The body of Christ is a metaphor used throughout the New Testament to illustrate the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers. Just as a body cannot function properly if each part is not working together, the church cannot fulfill its purpose if believers are disconnected. Each member has a unique role to play, and when all members are actively serving, the body grows and becomes healthy. The church needs every individual to fully operate in unity and oneness.

## Shifting from Individualism to Community

In Western societies, there is often a heavy emphasis on individualism. However, the biblical perspective emphasizes the importance of community and the interconnectedness of believers within the body of Christ. While personal gifts and callings are significant, they find their fullest expression within the context of community and in serving others. The church must move away from an individualistic mindset and embrace the idea of functioning as a unified body.

## Cultivating a Kingdom Culture

As believers understand their gifts, calling, and role within the body of Christ, they become catalysts for sustaining revival and bringing about transformation. This requires a shift in the default settings of our culture, embracing a kingdom culture that prioritizes unity, diversity, and the equipping of the saints. By cultivating a kingdom culture in the church, we create an environment where each member can grow and contribute to the collective growth of the body of Christ.

## The Importance of Collaboration and Equipping

In conclusion, Ephesians 4 provides valuable insights into the purpose of the fivefold ministry, the importance of unity, and the significance of utilizing spiritual gifts within the body of Christ. As believers understand their calling and identity in Christ, they can walk in a manner worthy of their calling and contribute to the growth and edification of the church. By embracing a kingdom culture and collaborating with the fivefold ministry, believers can fulfill their purpose and impact the world for Christ.

Stay tuned for the next session of the Power of Five podcast where Glenn and Dr. Michael Gretchko will dive deeper into Ephesians 4 and explore the roles of the individual fivefold ministries.

Additional Information:

Cultivating Kingdom Culture Course - Enroll at https://Awakenations.org/donate

Learn more about Neuma Church by visiting https://neuma.church

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

0:24 - Overview of Ephesians Chapter Four

3:00 - The Unity of the Spirit and the Bond of Peace

8:05 - The Importance of Spiritual Gifts

14:46 - The Role of the Fivefold Ministry

23:38 - The Church as a Body

24:57 - The Importance of Belonging and Functioning in Community

27:10 - Conclusion and Next Steps

Kingdom Encounter with Glenn Bleakney is a variety show consisting of teaching, discourses, and interviews on all things Kingdom. This is a season of reformation and revival. The Church must build on the foundations of the apostles and prophets preaching and teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom in the demonstration of the Spirit's power to all nations.

In this episode of The Power of Five podcast, Glenn Bleakney advocates that more than revival is needed in the Church today.

First and foremost, there must be re:formation. We must go back to the ancient ways of the New Testament and rediscover and restore the Fivefold ministry that will cause the church to experience great grace once again!

A New episode of the Power of Five podcast drops each week! Please subscribe to ensure you do not miss an episode. Would you please leave us a 5 Star Review on Apple Podcast also.

Connect with our community and join our FREE monthly mentoring Zoom meeting on all things five-fold ministry. Join our email list.

Invite Glenn Bleakney to minister at your event. Go to AwakeNations.org

Watch Kingdom Community TV - KingdomCommunity.tv

Join the Community - KingdomCommunity.Global

#awakenations #glennbleakney #kingdomcommunity

Glenn Bleakney shares on the topic of reformation. There must be a reforming of the Body of Christ before the wind of revival will blow again and be sustained. This is a season for the Five-fold ministry to focus on equipping and raising up the Body of Christ to represent Him to this generation. Learn more at AwakeNations.org and KingdomCommunity.Global

Glenn Bleakney shares on the theme of reformation.

But what is it that God is re-forming?

The Church is first and foremost a body - the Body of Christ called to stand before the nations of the world to re-present Jesus Himself, not religion.

A New episode of the Power of Five podcast drops each week! Please subscribe to ensure you do not miss an episode. Would you please leave us a 5 Star Review on Apple Podcast also.

Connect with our community and join our FREE monthly mentoring Zoom meeting on all things five-fold ministry. Join our email list.

Invite Glenn Bleakney to minister at your event. Go to AwakeNations.org

Watch Kingdom Community TV - KingdomCommunity.tv

Join the Community - KingdomCommunity.Global

Join us as we delve into the powerful message of entering rest and experiencing restoration. In this thought-provoking sermon, Glenn Bleakney explores the significance of the wilderness journey in preparation for the promised land. Discover how God's sufficiency, satisfaction, and shepherding can bring about the reward of rest. Learn how embracing rest can lead to supernatural blessings, abundance, and safety. Find encouragement and hope as you navigate your own wilderness moments, knowing that God is faithful to restore and bring breakthrough in every area of your life.

Invite Glenn Bleakney to speak at your event. Visit AwakeNations.org

The pathway to breakthrough is paved on the road of brokenness. But what does it really mean to be broken? The Spirit is calling His people deeper! Listen to this new teaching by Glenn Bleakney live from Neuma Church in Melbourne, Australia.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/U0iQ5ckaymU

Watch KingdomCommunity.TV

Jeri Hill is the wife of the late Evangelist Steve Hill and now serves as the President of Together in the Harvest Ministries.

In part 2 of our interview, Jeri shares about The Brownsville Revival years as well as her husband Steve Hill's battle with cancer and how he lived in the final years and even months of his life. This is a fascinating interview!

Learn more about Jeri Hill and Together in the Harvest by visiting the website https://www.togetherintheharvest.com/

Invite Glenn Bleakney to your church or conference and experience the power of The Holy Spirit - AwakeNations.org/booking

Watch KingdomCommunity.tv

Looking for training and mentoring? Connect with the Kingdom Community at https://kingdomcommunity.global

If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, press the ‘+’ icon to follow the show for free.

Giveaway: Download my free book, "3 Ways to Discern God is Leading You in a New Direction." Go to https://awakenations.org/book

Jeri Hill is the wife of the late Evangelist Steve Hill and now serves as the President of Together in the Harvest Ministries. In part 1 of our interview, Jeri shares about the early days with Steve, how they met and got started in ministry and even serviced on the mission field.

Learn more about Together in the Harvest at the website https://www.togetherintheharvest.com/

Invite Glenn Bleakney to your church or conference and experience the power of The Holy Spirit - AwakeNations.org/booking

Watch KingdomCommunity.tv

Looking for training and mentoring? Connect with the Kingdom Community at https://kingdomcommunity.global

If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, press the ‘+’ icon to follow the show for free.

Giveaway: Download my free book, "3 Ways to Discern God is Leading You in a New Direction." Go to https://awakenations.org/book

Glenn Bleakney talks about a national/cultural backdrop that obscures our understanding of God’s kingdom, how the Christian digital space impacts missions, a powerful description of what discipleship truly is, how the apostolic and prophetic giftings set a blueprint for revival, and how to be like Jesus.

Learn more about David Joannes and Missions Pulse by visiting https://davidjoannes.com

Kingdom Community with Glenn Bleakney is a variety show consisting of teaching, discourses, and interviews on all things Kingdom. This is a season of reformation and revival. The Church must build on the foundations of the apostles and prophets preaching and teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom in the demonstration of the Spirit's power to all nations.

Sign up for our free Zoom training on Five-fold ministry. We meet once a month on Zoom. Here is the sign up link https://glennbleakney1.podia.com/shifting-to-five-fold-teams