The Body of Christ

by Mona Hunter

‘Caring for people in such a way that they meet Jesus' is our Partnership mission statement. Our Partners do that daily in many ways in their work and activities. Next Sunday, however, some of our Lone Wolf Partners plan to care for people who already know Jesus. They are planning a trip to Altus to help them celebrate their new mission initiative and worship time (10:30am). This is an awesome way of caring for some of our people who already know Jesus in order to encourage and build them up with Christ's love. As we read in Ephesians 4:15b-16, ". . . 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." This is what Partnership is all about, but this is certainly not the first time our congregations have supported each other. Joint services, prayers, and visits have connected our Partners and have functioned as supporting ligaments.

We will all be strengthened and grow in Christ as we work together through Him. First of all, being together as Partners simply lets us know other Lutherans, which can be very encouraging given our minority status in western Oklahoma. In addition, every person of any age has some gift given by God to use in service to the Body of Christ and to care for those not yet believers. Just as our growing bodies are composed of different organs and tissues – our Partnership is composed of different abilities, ideas and talents, provided by each member and making a church body, which is the Body of Christ. Let's all look to Christ to see which part of the work of the Body of Christ He wants us each to do. After all, growing up (that is, in Christ) as Partners and individuals is what it's all about, isn't it?