The church body refers to members of the body of Christ that are committed to
the church leadership and fellowship.[1] As members of the Church of God in
Christ Jesus, we are to function as a people of God united in Christ, our
head.[2] As a body is joined together, so shall the believers of this church be
joined and knit together in community. The church can be likened to a physical
body being an ordered assemblage of parts that serves the body in various
manners. [3] Direction and support is thus distributed throughout the body as each
member functions as part of the whole. As Christian believers, the strength of
community shall assist us in all aspects of our faith. Lest true believers be
forced to tarry as estranged individuals, this church is to provide a covering
of fellowship, discipleship, and support in community. Essential to our vision
and purpose is facilitating the government and administration of community in
the exercise of faith.
The church is to facilitate the government
of the church body as it acts to benefit and support, oversee, and provide
services to its voluntary members. As we seek integrity and character beyond the
norm, the laws and decrees of our community shall be embraced with joy as God
works in us. Through community the body shall be strengthened in faith and in
fortitude against worldliness. We shall strive for community according to a
culture of godly principles and righteous living. In one accord we shall abide
in love, be sanctified in truth, and be transformed by the power of the Spirit.
The body is to develop as a unified, sanctified, and holy people as we become a
renewed Christian society with a superior ethos according to the principals of
truth. As God works through us, manifesting his glory, we shall become a
prevailing testimony.
For this ministry to the body, the church
shall establish and oversee places of worship. In the assembling of ourselves
together, we are to meet for a devotion to God, the building up of the church
body, and for other purposes according to Christian belief and practice. The
church shall provide various services to the body regarding the needs of its
members and for the realization of its purposes. Also, various resources shall
be developed and providied to the body as appropriate. In addition, the church
shall also raise up, license, and oversee its leaders and ministers. This
Christian body shall grow with a growth that is from God - In truth, in love,
and in the power of the Spirit.
[1] Col 1:18, 24 [2] Ephes 1:22, 5:23,
Col 1:18 1 Tim. 3:15 [3] Rom 12:4-5, 1 Cor 12:27
