Images of the Church

Try this exercise with me. Draw a picture of something that you think describes the church.

People view the church in many different ways. You may have drawn a hospital because the church can be a place of healing. You may have drawn a rescue station because people can hear the good news of the Gospel in the church and be saved. Some think of a military command center, a training and equipping station, a center for teaching and study. In fact the church is so complex that just one image would probably not capture the fullness of God’s plans and purposes for the church.

I’d like to suggest two images to consider. One will be very familiar; the other might be a stretch for some of us. Have you ever considered the church as a battleship? I heard a pastor from Hawaii, Wayne Cordeiro, talk about two experiences he had. He enjoyed a vacation on a cruise ship and then a short time later was invited to tour an active duty battleship. He remarked at how stark the contrast was. A blogging pastor, Tim Franklin, summarized his insights well. “On a battleship, manned by well trained sailors, the crew is able to work together as team to accomplish ‘what they could never do as individuals working alone.’ He then contrasted this with a luxury liner ‘where passengers expect to be served, fed, and pampered while a crew scrambles to keep everyone happy.’ He then makes the statement that should make us all search our hearts; ‘The church will never win wars with a cruise ship mentality!’ ‘Churches should be battleships where everyone is on call, where everyone has a responsibility, and where everyone is trying to make a difference.’”

An image of the church you’re probably more familiar with is that the church is like a human body. In Ephesians 1:22-23, Paul very clearly uses this imagery. “…the church, which is his body...” In 4:16, he goes on to say “From him (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Again, as I mentioned above, some of the best images of the church are those that show that each member has a role to fulfill. Do you know what your part is? Are you doing your share? Are you doing your share and others’ parts as well? We can only impact our community with a mindset that includes an image of the church where each member knows their unique role and is ready to allow God to work through them. If you are not sure of your part sign up for the CLASAS 301 (SHAPE) seminar or spiritual gifts class. If you attend Trinity and need help, send me a message. I'd love to work with you to discern what would be the best fit.