In “Grown Up Christianity” (Ephesians 4:7-16), Garrett Bookout shows that true church unity isn’t built on shared hobbies or interests but on our common allegiance to Jesus. Christ gave leaders to equip every saint for the real work of ministry—service—so the body can grow up together into the fullness of Christ and build itself up in love.

Continuing the “God’s House” series at Oak Hollow church of Christ, Garrett Bookout unpacks Ephesians 4:7-16 to answer a simple but vital question: What makes a church strong and unified? He begins with everyday examples of how people naturally seek connection—sports teams, hobbies, music, hunting—then contrasts that with the church’s unique bond: our shared pledge of allegiance to Jesus Christ.

After ascending, Christ gave five gifts to His church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers) not so a few professionals could do all the ministry, but to equip every saint for the work of service. Ministry is not preaching; it is serving. When every member serves—encouraging the discouraged, meeting practical needs, offering companionship and help—the body of Christ is built up.

The goal is maturity: “no longer children tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine,” but growing up in every way into Christ, the Head. This happens when the whole body is “joined and held together,” each part working properly, and the entire process is nourished by love. Bookout closes by reminding us that love is the air the church breathes; without it the body suffocates, but with it the church becomes a living picture of Jesus Himself.

1. Introduction – The Human Need for Connection
- Everyday examples: sports, music, arts, hunting, cooking—things that create camaraderie
- Church should be the ultimate place of connection, yet sometimes the wrong things (secondary beliefs, preferences) divide us
- The true connector: Jesus

2. The Text – Ephesians 4:7-16
- Christ ascended and gave gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds & teachers
- Purpose of the gifts: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”

3. Clarifying “Ministry”
- Ministry = service (diakonia), not just preaching or teaching
- The pulpit equips; every Christian does the ministry
- Oak Hollow’s emphasis on service (Lantern visits, needs board, practical help) is exactly what this passage calls for

4. The Goal of the Gifts
- Unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God
- Mature manhood—to the measure and stature of the fullness of Christ
- No longer immature children tossed by every wind of doctrine
- Instead: “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ”

5. How the Body Actually Grows
- The whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament
- Each part working properly
- Builds itself up in love (the essential environment)

6. Four Things to Remember
- Unity is non-negotiable (the church cannot be what God wants without it)
- Maturity = growing up into Christ (not childish bickering)
- Christ must be the center and the connector
- Love is the air the church breathes; a church is only as strong as its love

7. Closing Invitation
- Come to Christ, be baptized, serve, grow, and be part of this body that is becoming like Jesus.