The Parachurch: July 20, 2025
We're All Connected: Why Every Part of the Church Matters!
Good morning, church family! Pastor Michael recently shared an incredibly insightful message that really got us thinking about how connected we all are – not just within our local church, but across the entire body of Christ.
He started with a heartfelt expression of love for our church and for each of us. After missing a couple of weeks for "other types of ministry" (which he dives into!), he introduced us to a concept you might not be super familiar with: Missiology. Think of it as the study of missions, and it ties directly into how we understand the church beyond our four walls.
Pastor Michael emphasized that while our local church here at GCC is vital, there are also "body parts of the church" out there doing God's work faithfully, even if they aren't necessarily "the local church" as we typically define it. He prayed for us to be open to transformation by God's Word, and then dove into some familiar passages: 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4.
Honoring Every Piece & Growing Together
He pulled out two key principles from these scriptures:
Honor each piece by recognizing our need for them. Just like a physical body needs all its parts, the church needs every single person. We can't say, "I don't need you!" to anyone.
It takes the whole body growing in Christ to see healthy growth for a local church. This means we each have individual responsibilities to contribute to our community, but it also extends to a broader understanding of the church.
Pastor Michael explained that these truths aren't just for our local gathering. They apply to other local churches and even to what he called "para-church organizations" – Christian ministries that serve specific purposes but aren't typically a full-fledged church (think Christian camps, counseling centers, or outreach ministries). He gave some awesome examples, like the Empty Grave Parade (a band sharing the gospel in the hardcore scene – how cool is that?!) and Harvest Clubs (starting Bible clubs in community colleges).
The big takeaway? While these para-church ministries are doing incredible work, they thrive when connected to and supported by the local church. Without that connection, individuals can miss out on the full benefits of discipleship, community, and support that the local church provides.
What Does This Mean for Us? Three Applications!
Pastor Michael left us with three practical applications:
Fulfill your own ministry. God has uniquely gifted and called you to do specific things! Our church has a "hole" if you're not stepping into what God designed you for.
Benefit from your local church. Don't just be a consumer! Actively participate, receive prayer and encouragement, and allow others to exercise their gifts by serving you. We need each other's support, correction, and teaching.
Support your brothers and sisters in ministry. This applies to those within our church and those in para-church organizations. Whether it's financially supporting a ministry like Harvest Clubs or simply "repping" a Christian band by buying a t-shirt, our support helps the wider body of Christ thrive.
Ultimately, Pastor Michael's sermon was a powerful reminder that we need one another. Both on a micro-level within our church and on a macro-level across the global body of believers, God has designed us to be interconnected and interdependent.
And if you're new to all of this, Pastor Michael had a special word for you: God loves you. You'll see that love expressed through His hands and feet – His church. His ultimate love is seen in Jesus, who lived, died, was resurrected, and will return for you.
Let's continue to be a needy and faithful church, both locally and globally, as we seek to honor every part of God's incredible body!
