The Church

Every person, in every country, of every language and culture that calls Christ Lord is part of this body. Together, with all of our diversity of gifts and passions, we are connected to one another, growing together into maturity.

We need each other.

None of us individually or in a specific country holds the whole picture of Christ. No one way of worship or teaching or serving is the totality of Christ on earth. It is only with all the parts of the body operating fully in each area of the world that we are the fullness of Christ.

There is nothing else like the body of Christ - the church. In Him we are connected globally, spiritually, eternally. In Him gender, race, culture, wealth, and position are all equalized; all are brothers and sisters in Christ - the family of God.

What many have come to call "the church" is not the church at all. It has become one or all of the above and that is not only not inviting, it is repulsive.

Many are leaving the institutional church discouraged, hurt and desperate to know God. An institution does not nourish. A religion is not the same as an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

As people leave the "church" (the institutions) we find that they are not leaving their search for God behind. They are still seeking after God because we were designed to long for Him.

It is said that if Christians acted like Christ, more people would want to join the church. People were drawn to Him because He loved them and offered them true life. That is the role and goal of the church - to love people with His love and bring them to the One who is Life.

When we DO and ARE what Christ was on the earth we are being the church - loving the downtrodden and setting the captives free - and making Christ known.