What is the goal and purpose of ministry in the church?

At the end of verse 12 in Ephesians 4, we learn that the goal and purpose of ministry is to build up the body of Christ: "…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” (Eph 4:12).  It is to use our God-given gifts and connection to one another to build one another up in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, helping one another think, live, and know as Christ does, so that we will not be deceived and led astray.