The Apostle Paul wrote this about the church of our Lord, “The body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” (1 Corinthians 12:14-18) This teaches us a lot about ministry!
Every member has a place, but not every place is for every member.
The eyes cannot do the work of the hands, nor can the hands do the work of the eyes. Both of these members are vital for the body. When one does not function properly, the body becomes less efficient and effective. Members must be trained. The feet must learn how to balance the body. The ears must learn how to listen effectively. Likewise, each member of the church must identify and understand his or her place and within the body. This also often requires training on how to do the work more effectively.
No matter who you are, you are needed!
Those who greet are just as important as those who teach. If we do not greet visitors and develop contacts, we will have no one to teach. Those who write cards are just as important as those who baptize. If we do not show the lost the love of Christ, no one will desire to follow Christ. Paul said, “The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary” (1 Cor 12:21-22). The church needs you and your talents to help lead the lost to the foot of the cross. It takes many to reach the many! (Matt 22:14)
The church of Christ has one Mission: To Make Disciples.
Every part of the church is designed to complete this mission (Matthew 28:19). In fact, God created each member in the body according to His pleasure of completing it. When parts of the body lose sight of the mission and begin to work independently, the entire body suffers. If the hand is not used for a prolonged period, it forgets its place, loses strength, and deteriorates. When the hand forgets its mission, it can detract from the body.
Our leadership wants to make sure that every member in the church finds and knows his or her place to help with the mission. The congregational coaching lessons and individual discussions are designed to help members find their individual places. The congregation will grow when everyone is focused on the one mission.
Our Evangelism Model includes six steps and provides many opportunities within each step for everyone to be able to serve in some capacity within the kingdom. Evangelism is not passive; prayer without practical application is ineffective. We must teach and practice the process. God wants everyone to be saved and He wants everyone actively working in His kingdom. Have you found your place in the kingdom? Start today!