Being the Body of Christ
12 Christ is just like the human body — a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the body are one body, even though there are many. 13 We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jew or Greek, or slave or free, and we all were given one Spirit to drink. 14 Certainly the body isn’t one part but many. *** 27 You are the body of Christ and parts of each other. 28 In the church, God has appointed first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, the ability to help others, leadership skills, different kinds of tongues. 29 All aren’t apostles, are they? All aren’t prophets, are they? All aren’t teachers, are they? All don’t perform miracles, do they? 30 All don’t have gifts of healing, do they? All don’t speak in different tongues, do they? All don’t interpret, do they? 31 Use your ambition to try to get the greater gifts. And I’m going to show you an even better way. – 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31
We are deeply fortunate to have many persons here at High Street who recognize God’s call to serve God, their church, and the community. They recognize they are empowered – in all ways – to BE the church. I’m grateful for their service and their ministry.
Approximately mid-July, the Nominations Committee begins meeting to prayerfully discern who would be best to fill positions on the various committees that keep our church functioning. Contrary to what some may believe, those on Nominations take this responsibility very seriously. They aren’t looking for “warm bodies” to fill slots; they want the best people in the roles we need to lead High Street to its best and highest ministry potential.
We’ve been delighted with the positive responses we’ve received from so many of you who’ve been asked to step into these leadership roles. Thank you. You are the lifeblood of High Street. We also know that some, after serving many consecutive years, need a short break.
But sometimes people say, “no.” We recognize that there are seasons when a leadership role or serving on a committee may not feel like the right time. But I’m always disappointed with those people who believe they’ve already fulfilled their responsibilities to serve; those who believe they’ve “done their time.”
Friends, the journey of discipleship is never complete. We are constantly on the road to Christian Perfection and sanctification, as John Wesley would put it. Or, to say it a little more plainly, service is part of discipleship, which is a lifetime commitment. The Nominations Committee would not ask anyone they did not believe would do a good job for whatever position they are being asked to fill.
I’ve told this story before, and you’ll undoubtedly hear it again: many (MANY!) years ago, when I was in the New Members class for my home church, we all had to interview a leader of the church as part of the class. The person I interviewed told me she served at the church because we all get out of church what we’re willing to put into it. I’ve never forgotten that.
You are the Body of Christ; you are the church; you ARE High Street United Methodist Church. I pray that each of you develops as your part of the Body, so that it functions properly and best, to God’s glory. It’s the only way the church will survive and thrive.