What Is The Body of Christ?

We have all heard the term “Body of Christ.” Pastors have explained it well over the years. Pointing to the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12, They describe the various parts of a human body and how they each serve a function. Some are very noticeable, like the hands and feet, while others may go unseen, like the lungs, skeletal structure, heart, and more.

Church leaders express this to the members of their church and how each one has an integral part to play. Some are noticeable, like pastors, musicians, and elders, while others are not as obvious, like the intercessors, administrators, and the members who make a point to privately connect with those in need.

 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

This view and description is correct. However, in our application of this understanding, we sometimes limit our perspective to a microscopic view. We only look at the individual church as the body. But, as we step back and look at all Christ-centered churches, we can also appreciate that each church may also perform a specific function in The Body of Christ.

At the macroscopic level, each individual church has its own unique vision and giftings. When the churches function in a complementary fashion with one another, the fullness of The Body is realized and amazing things can happen. This is the powerful, effective Body of Christ we strive to become.

So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:5

Miraculously, like the human body as designed by our Great Creator, when all work together, it causes the Body of Christ to function like the divinely engineered Kingdom we are heirs to.

What if we demolish the silos, kick down the fence gates and enlarge our pastures? What if church leaders came together in greater communication and collaboration? What if each church was able to focus on what it does really well? If it flowed fully in its strengths and was able to rely on other churches, with great trust and confidence, to function in what it does well?

How much more effective can an individual church be if it doesn’t have to do everything, but instead, only the things it does well and is called to because the giftings of surrounding churches has been identified and are being relied upon? Unity among churches may not happen overnight, but with a vision, it is possible.

As Dr. Tony Evans said, “Unity isn’t just about getting along; it’s is about getting things done.”

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15-16

It is vital to the advancement of the Kingdom of God for individuals to work within their church to help it perform its functions, and for churches to work together to perform Kingdom functions.

It is our unity in Christ that brings His power. His power, in and through us, advances the Kingdom in the earth. The Body must work together and unify under the headship of Jesus Christ.

For more on this topic, see the links below.

Kingdom Unity for Kingdom Men by Dr. Tony Evans

What is the Meaning of the Body of Christ? by Sophia Bricker

The Body of Christ by Sinclair Ferguson

The Thunderous Roar of His Church Unified by Chelsea Hagen

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