God's Design for Church Body Life Revisited

A section of the MinTools.com site has been devoted to Body Life, God’s design for the Church. It not only considers what the Bible teaches about it but also what it looks like for us to function as God intends. The TrainChurchLeaders.com site encourages leaders to steer the Church toward Body Life by their example, not just their words. As we look at the current state of the Church, perhaps we would do well to revisit God’s design for the Body and then the responsibility we each have in it.

Body Life Defined Through an Analogy

Scripture refers to the Church as the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head and we are members of the Body, suggesting that we belong to one another. Take time to revisit what God says about His design for the Church to function as a Body:

Ephesians 4:11-16
Romans 12:1-21
1 Corinthians 12:14-26

To help us think about the analogy of the Church as a Body, consider these realities about the human body:

The human body is a unit (one) made up of many parts.
Each part is important and needed.
Each part has a function that contributes to the whole.
Parts of the human body function interdependently.
Parts of the human body are dependent on the brain for growth, health, and directives.

God, therefore, intends for the Church to function similarly.

Implications for the Church as a Body

If the Church is to function similar to the human body, then Body Life is how we relate to one another in ways that demonstrate:

unity out of diversity … every part important and needed
interdependence on one another … every part contributing to other parts
dependence on the Head … every part living according to directives from Him

Need Help Revisiting God’s Design for Body Life in the Church?

In addition to content provided on the sites mentioned above, check out the Body Life Bundle. The Body Life Ministry Manual builds off of the content on the MinTools.com site whereas the Steering the Church Toward Body Life Leadership Guide stems from content from the TrainChurchLeaders.com site. Together, these two resources provide a more comprehensive look at God’s design for Body Life in the Church but they can also be ordered individually.