Rethinking the Church | The Body Working Together

15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:15-16 (NRSVUE)

Your hand doesn't worry about not being qualified to be a hand because it's not a foot. Your eye doesn't feel inadequate because it can't hear like your ear. Each part of your body has a specific function, and when every part does its job, the whole body works beautifully together.

Paul uses this image to describe how the church is supposed to work. We're all parts of one body, with Christ as the head. Each of us has a unique role to play, unique gifts to contribute, unique opportunities to serve. When everyone does their part, the whole body grows and builds itself up in love.

This means that the work of the church isn't accomplished by a few highly trained professionals while everyone else watches. It's accomplished when each person—regardless of their background, education, or experience—contributes their unique gifts and calling to the whole.

The person who quietly prays for others is doing vital ministry. The person who notices when someone is struggling and offers encouragement is doing essential work. The person who uses their professional skills to help someone in need is serving the kingdom. The person who creates a welcoming environment where others feel valued is participating in God's mission.

Sometimes we think that only the "up front" ministries matter—preaching, teaching, leading worship. But Paul's image of the body reminds us that some of the most crucial parts of the body are hidden from view. Your heart, your lungs, your liver—these organs are essential to life, even though no one sees them working.

The same is true in the church. Some of the most important ministry happens behind the scenes, in one-on-one conversations, in acts of service that no one else notices, in prayers that no one else hears. These ministries aren't less important because they're less visible—they're the supporting ligaments that hold the whole body together.

The key is that "each one does its part." Not just pastors. Not just Sunday School teachers. Not just committee chairs or long-time members. Each one. Every single person who follows Jesus has a part to play in the work of the church.

What's your part? Maybe it's using your professional skills to serve others. Maybe it's your ability to encourage people who are discouraged. Maybe it's your gift for hospitality or your heart for those who are hurting. Maybe it's your willingness to work behind the scenes to make ministry possible for others.

Whatever your part is, the body needs you to do it. When you hold back, thinking you're not qualified or that your contribution doesn't matter, the whole body suffers. When you step up and do your part, the whole body grows stronger.

The work of the church isn't the responsibility of a few experts. It's the calling of every believer, each contributing their unique gifts so that together we can accomplish far more than any of us could accomplish alone.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making us part of your body, the church. Help us understand that we each have a unique and important role to play. Give us the wisdom to discover our gifts and the courage to use them. Show us how our individual contributions fit into your larger purposes. Help us work together as one body, each doing our part so that your love can reach more people and your kingdom can grow. Amen.