Forward in Multiplication

This sermon emphasizes that Christianity is about participation, not observation, and that moving forward as a church requires every believer to engage in making disciples. The message challenges the common misconception that only paid staff can do ministry, arguing instead that pastoral staff exist to equip believers for the work of ministry. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-16, the sermon outlines God's design for church multiplication through five spiritual gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) and emphasizes that true spiritual maturity is measured by love and fruit, not knowledge. The sermon calls Mercy Road Church to move from being a level three "adding" church to becoming a level five "multiplying" church, where disciples make disciples who make disciples across multiple generations. This multiplication happens when believers embrace their calling to do ministry, mature in love and truth, and obediently follow Christ's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.