Organized For Mission

Editorial by Andre Hastick

With each passing day, there is one fundamental question that is taking on greater significance. The answer to this question will determine the direction we travel together: What is the church—a building, a worship service?

Paul’s teaching in the New Testament uses the human body as a metaphor for the church, revealing that we are the body of Christ, and Christ is the Head (see 1 Corinthians 12 and Colossians 1). Without Jesus, there is no life, no direction, no purpose. Paul informs us, “He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Col. 1:17, NKJV). This means that our connection to Jesus is not optional, but essential.

Additionally, the life of a body flows through its blood. For the body of Christ, it is only through the life-giving blood of Jesus that we have the forgiveness of sins and the power to do His will.

Paul’s teaching further reveals that no individual body part exists independently. To put it another way, we are all in this together: “If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? … But now indeed there are many members, yet one body” (1 Cor. 12:15, 20, NKJV). This means that there are no dispensable members of His body. Each member of the church is designed to have connection with other believers and, most importantly, with Christ.

Together, we are organized for mission! Each member of the body is assigned an import ant function according to the will of the Lord. Through the Holy Spirit, you and I have been purposefully brought together for the fulfilling of the Great Commission. Your gifts and unique life experiences are a powerful and undeniable testimony to the living Christ.

As I begin my new role serving as Chesapeake Conference president, I count it a privilege to be among 18,900-plus conference members who are part of Christ’s body.

May God help us come together and complete the mission He has set before us.

Hastick is president of the Chesapeake Conference.