For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ...
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
(1 Corinthians 12:12, 21-26 ESV)
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
(1 Corinthians 12:12, 21-26 ESV)
We believe the Bible teaches that a Christian isn’t complete without the church. The local church (a particular bunch of people that regularly meet together to worship Jesus) is where the body of Christ is made visible on earth. Without the support and care of the church, a disciple of Jesus withers. The church, in turn, suffers if its members are not active contributors to its ministry.
This means that every Christian must be investing in, caring for, and being with the Body of Christ in order for the individual and the church to be healthy. Investing yourself in the lives of others, especially those you might not ordinarily connect with, broadens your ability to love and be loved. It’s a life saver when someone does the same for you.
Anyone who has tried to be an anonymous church attender knows that it’s a dead-end road that provides little fulfilment. In addition to worshiping with the gathered church, at Providence we believe there are two main ways to invest, care, and belong: serving and small groups.
By serving within the church, you are enabled to see beyond yourself into the needs of others. You get to be part of making something important happen: the making of disciples. This is true for every role, from childcare to to greeting; from music to building maintenance. If you’ve been to Providence, you have benefited from the work of faithful volunteers. It may be time for you to become one yourself.
In a small group, you gain and become a part of a vital support system. Small groups mean so much: a chance to hear new perspectives and voice yours; a place to share the joys and sorrows of others; friends to eat with; a more personal place to learn and be challenged to follow Christ. Don’t fall through the cracks - move from anonymity to community.
