The primary purpose of the Church is to edify and mature the Body of Christ so believers are equipped for the work of ministry and become witnesses in their everyday lives.
In Ephesians 4, the Bible says Christ gave evangelists, pastors, and teachers to perfect the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the Body of Christ. Les Feldick teaches the same purpose: believers are to be taught and matured so they can go into their churches and share these truths with others.
Ephesians 4:12 — This verse directly states that gifted leaders are given to perfect the saints, equip them for ministry, and edify the Body of Christ.
Romans 10:17 — This verse shows why teaching the Word to believers is necessary: faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
In Ephesians 4, Scripture explains that Christ, after ascending, gave gifts to men — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifted men were not given to do all the ministry themselves. Ephesians 4:12 says they are for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. The goal is stated in verse 13: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Romans 10 also shows that people cannot hear about Christ unless someone preaches or teaches the Word, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
Les Feldick teaches that the purpose of all that God has done for the Church is to edify the Body of Christ — the true believers. He points to Ephesians 4:11-12: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given for the perfecting or maturing of the saints so they can do the work of the ministry and build up the Body. This is not about elevating pastors or building large organizations; it is about bringing believers to maturity in Christ. He says believers are left on earth to grow in grace, knowledge, works, and to be witnesses. He applies this by saying he teaches believers so they can go back into their churches and teach and share these things with others. He notes that Paul did not set up huge edifices but small groups of believers in homes. He also reminds listeners that not every church member is a member of the Body of Christ — only true believers are.
Scripture says Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12). The goal is that believers come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). This passage is the biblical foundation for the Church's purpose.
Les teaches that evangelists, pastors, and teachers are all given to edify the Body of Christ until believers come to maturity in Christ. He quotes Ephesians 4:12 to make this point. He also says a church will rise no higher than its leadership, including the pastor and the lay leaders who follow him. The emphasis is on building up believers so they can serve and witness.
Les says the biggest part of his teaching is for believers, so they can go back into their own churches and teach and share these things with other folk. He points to Romans 10: how can people hear without a preacher or teacher, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God. He also says believers are left on earth to be witnesses and to grow in grace, knowledge, and works. The church fulfills its mission by equipping believers to be living witnesses where they live and work.
Les says not every church member across the world is a member of the Body of Christ; some members of his own local church are as lost as can be. The Church's purpose is to edify the Body of Christ — true believers. This distinction matters because the ministry of the Word is directed at believers, even though lost people are also touched through that ministry.
Gifts Given to Every Believer
Les explains that Christ gave gifts to every member of the Body of Christ and lists evangelists, pastors, and teachers among those gifts.
Edifying the Body of Christ
Les says the purpose of all that God has done for the Church is to edify the Body of Christ, using evangelists, pastors, and teachers to bring believers to maturity.
Believers Left Here as Witnesses
Les says believers are left on earth to grow in grace, knowledge, and works, and specifically to be witnesses.
The Church Rises No Higher Than Its Leadership
Les teaches that a church congregation will rise no higher than its leadership, including the pastor and lay leaders.
Faith Comes by Hearing the Word
Les points out that people cannot understand the Word unless someone teaches or explains it, and that faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
Teaching Believers to Teach Others
Les teaches believers so they can go back into their churches and teach and share these truths with others, and he notes Paul modeled the church as a small group in a home.
Perfecting the Saints for Ministry
Les quotes Ephesians 4:12 to show the purpose is the perfecting and maturing of the saints for ministry and edifying the Body of Christ, and he warns that not every church member is in that Body.
Teaching Primarily for Believers
Les acknowledges his teaching is primarily for believers, though he recognizes lost people are also touched through believers.
Ephesians 4:7: But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Shows that every member of the Body of Christ has been given grace, not just leaders.
Ephesians 4:11: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Lists the gifted men Christ gave to the Church.
Ephesians 4:12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Directly states why these gifted leaders were given: to mature the saints for ministry and build up the Church.
Ephesians 4:13: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Describes the goal of church growth and maturity.
Romans 10:14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Shows the necessity of human teachers and preachers in the hearing of the gospel.
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Explains why teaching the Word is foundational for faith and the church's mission.
The primary purpose is to edify and mature the Body of Christ so believers can do the work of ministry and be effective witnesses in their daily lives.
Les teaches that they are given to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry. The believers themselves are equipped and expected to serve and witness.
Les points to Paul's model of small groups of believers in homes rather than huge buildings. His emphasis is on teaching believers so they can go into their churches and share these truths with others.
Watch the Teaching: How the Holy Spirit Gives Spiritual Gifts — 1 Corinthians 12 Explained