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The Pastoral Lens
One Body, Many Parts
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 the apostle, Paul, writes about the function of the local church and likens it to the human body. As someone who studied the human body in classes in biology at university and now studies the "Body of Christ" (ie. the church), I find this to be a fascinating comparison. The apostle states in the twentieth verse that there are many members but one body. I have seen this principle at work in so many areas in my life.For instance, I enjoy playing soccer during the summer months in a Tuesday night men's league. On a soccer team there are 11 positions. Generally speaking, there are 3 forwards, 4 halfbacks, 3 defencemen, and 1 goalie. Needless to say, each one plays a vital, yet different part. If everyone wanted to score goals, there would be no defence. Also, the goalie is the only one who is allowed to touch the ball with his hands. Each member of the team must play their part in order to contribute to the whole.
Or, how about a family situation? I learned back in the fall, when all 5 of my kids had the chicken pox, that my role is not that of a mother! Wow did I learn that! Iíve found that when I stick to the things I do best in the home, the atmosphere is less stressful. Conversely, my wife is relieved to know that the lawn care will be left up to me. Domestic roles may vary from home to home, but nevertheless, each one plays their part for a symbiotic environment.
Most recently I have had the pleasure and privilege of being partnered with my good friend, Doug Friesen, in helping to mobilize a team of people in our community who are working to plan a large-scale volunteer home improvement project in our area. As I have attended the meetings, I am amazed at the diversity and scope of the group. There are men and women from several different churches, service clubs, trades, and professions all sitting at the same table discussing the same project. Just when I think weíre going to have a big hurdle to clear on a particular issue, someone pipes up with a great idea or volunteers their time and expertise in a key role. This committee truly is one body composed of many different parts working together to contribute to the whole. It is a delight to see it in action.
When this project that we're working on finally goes into action in late July of this year, it will have been the culmination of many hard hours of cooperative labour reaching fruition. No single person could have made this project fly. We need everybody working together. Doug, my friend who got this whole ball rolling in the first place over 2 years ago, has done a ton of the groundwork. His contribution has been invaluable. However, it would all have been for naught if it wasn't for the many others who have stepped up and taken their role. I know this project will have success as we work together.
As a pastor, I see the great value of people in the church working together. The same holds true for me as a member of a soccer team and a family. There are no lone rangers out there getting all the work done. No, we need each other if we're going to see a finished product. Whatever role you play in whatever situation, just remember this: there are others who are counting on you to do your part. So, get in the game!
