The Body

Paul describes the church as a body. Each member is necessary; each member is vital to the church's ability to fulfill its mission: "Go into all the world and make disciples." "You will be witnesses of Me." (And it's "of" not merely "for.") In the church where God has placed you, you are needed. Encouragement, hospitality, exhortation, discipleship, discipline, giving of our resources are not independent acts. They require others. We desperately need each other and the gifts and "energy" we bring to the body. Christianity is a group project. In the church independence is counterfeit freedom. We are one body.