One Body, Many Members
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Cor. 12:27).

As I mentioned at the annual meeting, I will probably be moving to the United States within the next year. No firm date can be given until I am actually holding a visa in my hand. This will probably happen a number of months from now. In the mean time, I plan on giving the best that I can for as long as I am here.

It strikes me as I think about this that the pastor is only one particular function within a congregation. The passages of Scripture that describe the gifts that the Spirit gives to the members of the church all stress how there is only one body (the church) and only one head (Jesus Christ) and many members who all have different gifts and different functions within the body (cf. 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4; Rom. 12). We are also promised that all of the gifts that are needed will be given to those who ask for the Holy Spirit (Lk. 11:13).

I mention this to try and give us some perspective on things. Certainly, every time somebody leaves the congregation - for whatever reason - the gifts that particular person brings are missed. We also grieve the loss of people whom we have come to know and to love. Yet, the congregation does not cease to be the body of Christ when members move on to become part of some other branch of the body of Christ. Every single member has still been given gifts for ministry, and the body works properly as long as the head (Jesus Christ) is directing and focusing the work of the body.

At the same time, new members who come into the body always bring gifts with them. A new pastor would also bring different gifts which are needed within the body. And of course, people who are already members can either develop new gifts or simply start using the gifts that they already have. Biblically speaking, the stress is always on the fact that the gifts of all the members are needed in order for the body to function properly.

Another thing to remember is that the only member that absolutely cannot be lost is the head. When we're talking about the body of Christ, the head is Jesus. He always has to be at the center of our life together - directing, guiding, saving and loving. If the time comes where Christ is no longer our head, then we are, indeed, in trouble! However, as long as every member and every group within the body is seeking direction from Jesus Christ and using the gifts that have been given, the body will remain healthy.

Otherwise, it is just like what happens to us if a part of our body doesn't get used. If our legs don't get used, they become weak. If we cover up a perfectly healthy eye, our vision will suffer. Similarly, if our brain ceases to give directions to the rest of the body, or if the directions are not received, then the body is not going to get too far.

Undoubtedly, there will continue to be difficulties and challenges in our life together. Yet, by the power of the Holy Spirit and with Christ at the center, God will continue to work through us and among us.

In Christ,
Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore
? 2005 Lynne Hutchison Moore All Rights Reserved