Throughout the New Testament, the Church is defined as, compared to and illustrated as a body. Indeed, it is called the body of Christ. One passage we often think of is 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Here the apostle Paul illustrates that we cannot all be “hands” or all be “eyes,” but that there are many different parts. The parts are different and the function of each part is different. Even though the parts serve different purposes, each part is a component of the whole and each part is important in such a way that we are united, that we have concern for each part or each other and that each part is needed. We work differently, but we work together in a unified fashion.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Cor 12:27, NIV)

In Ephesians 4:1-16, after addressing unity, gifts and maturity in the body, Paul states:

…we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
(Eph 4:15,16 NIV, emphasis added)

As Elders overseeing the work of the Church at Mebane Street, we want to encourage each member to be a functioning part of the body and to realize not only how important unity is to the success of the Lord’s church but also to realize that each person is important to the Lord‘s church, that each person is needed in the Lord’s church and that the work done by each person helps the church to grow. As you look through the ministries, find an area in which you are willing to work to help the church here at Mebane Street. Ask the Deacon in charge how you can help and be a part of the growth here in Burlington.

Richard McLane, Paul Kearns, and Elbert Colston