Chapter 15: Equipping In Action
The act of equipping is central to the Christian life. In fact, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul summarizes the core responsibility of “the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11b ESV) as “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 ESV). Regardless of our specific spiritual gifts or inclinations, we are all called to equip others to walk out the purpose and plan that God has for them. While the exact expression of this calling may vary depending on the context, there are a few timeless principles that can guide us as we help others walk in truth. In essence, this is the practice of leadership, and we will explore this final element of The Way of the Wordsmith through three layers: 1) The Mindset, 2) The Mechanism, and 3) The Model.
1) The Mindset of Equipping
The mindset of the Wordsmith is at odds with the mindset of the world. When it comes to leading people and equipping them to walk in their God-given purpose, it can be easy to adopt a lack-based worldview that discounts the potential of people. As outlined in the illustration above, we have highlighted the differences between these mindsets through two parallel quotes:
The World’s Mindset: “My undeserving hands cannot help unqualified people achieve unattainable things during uncertain times.”
The Wordsmith’s Mindset: “God’s unrelenting love enables unlikely people to accomplish unbelievable things in unexpected ways.”
Do you see the difference at play here? Both mindsets recognize the enormity of the mission, but only one recognizes the significance of God being in your corner. To equip people to live in truth, we must believe that they can change and that God has a purpose for them. If we find ourselves living with the mindset of the world, how can we change the way we think? In his letter to the Romans, Paul gives us the answer:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2 ESV).
How, then, do we renew our minds? According to the words the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write, we do so by “[presenting our] bodies as a living sacrifice.” This brings us to the mechanism of equipping.
2) The Mechanism of Equipping
Surrender is the mechanism that changes our mindset and enables us to execute the model of equipping others. The mindset of the world is rooted in self-preservation and the desire to maintain control—and this approach to life will do nothing but leave us feeling empty and longing for more. However, when we choose to let go and truly trust the sovereignty and majesty of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, it changes every area of our lives. Suddenly, situations that once would have been tremendous stressors can be handled with renewed strength and vitality, because we depend on God—not ourselves—for the results.
Not only does surrender enable us to live with incredible strength and peace, but it also gives us a renewed confidence in our calling and direction. Paul indicates that the hard work of surrender enables us to “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” A surrendered heart is far more prepared to help others because we live with a sensitivity to God’s voice—the One who always helps and sustains us.
3) The Model of Equipping
Once the decision to surrender has transformed our mindset, how then do we lead others? How can we help move someone from conceptualization to action? If we consider the life of Jesus, His process of equipping the disciples included three primary phases, which provide a framework for us in equipping others:
Watch Me: Before Jesus ever delegated responsibility to His disciples, He first modeled what He wanted them to do. Similarly, before we throw someone into the “deep end” of walking in truth, it is important that we demonstrate the actions we hope for them to engage in.
With Me: Once the disciples had a basic framework for Jesus’ message and mission, He began to incorporate them more into crucial conversations and ministry moments. Similarly, before you fully release someone into action, find a collaborative way to do the action together to help them develop confidence and comfort.
Without Me: As we have already discussed at length, Jesus was continually preparing His disciples for His departure. Forty days after His resurrection, He ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit as an ever-present helper. Eventually, we will have to take our hands off the reins and allow people to take ownership of their lives. Even in failure, there is so much to learn and grow from.
Conclusion: The Work of the Wordsmith
Equipping others is not just a ministry strategy—it is a biblical mandate rooted in the life and leadership of Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are invited to adopt a mindset shaped by faith, not fear; one that sees potential where the world sees limitation. Through surrender, our hearts and minds are transformed, enabling us to live with clarity, strength, and peace as we walk in obedience. From this place of renewal, we are able to lead others with purpose by modeling truth, walking alongside them, and ultimately empowering them to stand on their own. This is the way of the Wordsmith: to think differently, to live surrendered, and to lead with intention. May we embrace this calling wholeheartedly, equipping others to step boldly into the purpose God has prepared for them.
