Dear Reader,
Starting a new church is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are a hundred different things that need to be done, and at times it’s tempting to believe the weight falls on just a few shoulders.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12 remind us that God designed the church to function as a body, not a solo act. He writes, “As it is, there are many parts, but one body” (v. 20). Each person who joins in this work brings something essential. No part is unnecessary. No role is too small. The person who sets up chairs, the one who welcomes people at the door, the one who prays quietly in the background, the one who teaches, the one who listens, all are woven into the body of Christ.
Paul goes on to say that we cannot dismiss any part, no matter how hidden or humble. “The parts of the body that seem weaker are indispensable” (v. 22). That means the jobs no one notices may actually be the most crucial. In God’s design, honor doesn’t just go to the most visible or gifted. It’s distributed across the whole body so that there is no division, and so that “its parts should have equal concern for each other” (v. 25).
For a new church, this is more than just a nice thought, it’s survival. If one person tries to carry it all, the weight becomes crushing. But when everyone brings their gift, their heart, and their willingness, the body comes alive. And when one part suffers, the rest rally around it. When one part rejoices, everyone shares in the joy.
As we continue planting this new work in East Cobb, remember: the church doesn’t belong to a few. It does not belong to the group that organized the new plant in the beginning. Grace Resurrection belongs to Christ, and He has given each one a place, a purpose, and a gift. 1 Corinthians 3:6 reminds us, “Some plant, some water. But God gives the increase.”The strength of our church won’t be found in one leader, one member or one program, but in the shared life of the whole body.
So lean in. Offer what you have. Celebrate the gifts of others. Protect unity. Be kind. Put negative thoughts to the side. Focus on one another’s strengths. Care for each other deeply. That’s how the body of Christ grows strong, even in its earliest days.
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Starting a new church is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are a hundred different things that need to be done, and at times it’s tempting to believe the weight falls on just a few shoulders.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12 remind us that God designed the church to function as a body, not a solo act. He writes, “As it is, there are many parts, but one body” (v. 20). Each person who joins in this work brings something essential. No part is unnecessary. No role is too small. The person who sets up chairs, the one who welcomes people at the door, the one who prays quietly in the background, the one who teaches, the one who listens, all are woven into the body of Christ.
Paul goes on to say that we cannot dismiss any part, no matter how hidden or humble. “The parts of the body that seem weaker are indispensable” (v. 22). That means the jobs no one notices may actually be the most crucial. In God’s design, honor doesn’t just go to the most visible or gifted. It’s distributed across the whole body so that there is no division, and so that “its parts should have equal concern for each other” (v. 25).
For a new church, this is more than just a nice thought, it’s survival. If one person tries to carry it all, the weight becomes crushing. But when everyone brings their gift, their heart, and their willingness, the body comes alive. And when one part suffers, the rest rally around it. When one part rejoices, everyone shares in the joy.
As we continue planting this new work in East Cobb, remember: the church doesn’t belong to a few. It does not belong to the group that organized the new plant in the beginning. Grace Resurrection belongs to Christ, and He has given each one a place, a purpose, and a gift. 1 Corinthians 3:6 reminds us, “Some plant, some water. But God gives the increase.”The strength of our church won’t be found in one leader, one member or one program, but in the shared life of the whole body.
So lean in. Offer what you have. Celebrate the gifts of others. Protect unity. Be kind. Put negative thoughts to the side. Focus on one another’s strengths. Care for each other deeply. That’s how the body of Christ grows strong, even in its earliest days.
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Posted in Rev. James Williams Weekly Blog
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