What is the church? For many the answer revolves around a building. “Let’s go to church” is a phrase used to indicate a desire to go to a building. The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people, coming from a translation of the Greek word ekklesia which is defined as “an assembly” or “called out ones.” The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. The Apostle Paul references this concept in his letter to a group of believers in the city of Ephesus, “God has placed all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”
God’s idea of the church is one of a living breathing organism that impacts the world toward His Kingdom. This organism gathers to become strengthened and equipped, in some type of building, in order to impact the world outside of the building. For generations the main focus of the church has been on the gathering of believers instead of the function of the believers. The gathering together by the believers is essential toward the function of the believers as agents of change in this world.
It is easy to become discouraged as attendance numbers drop at Sunday morning worship services across America. A body poorly nourished cannot fulfill its daily task. For the body of Christ at Clark’s Valley Zion (CVZ), spiritual nourishment is provided in various forms. Gatherings throughout the week supplement the Sunday morning corporate worship services. Various groups meet with the goal of nourishing the body through teaching, fellowship and encouragement.
The children’s ministry at CVZ is a vital part of this nourishing process. Although the evidence of this vital part of the ministry at CVZ may not be evident on a Sunday morning it doesn’t mean it is not impacting lives towards God’s Kingdom. There were 37 children (3 years old – 5th grade) at our AWANA, “Spark Studios” gathering last Sunday night; over 50 kids are registered. This weekend 17 of our youth with 5 chaperones are traveling to Twin Pines Camp in the Poconos for a “Winter Thaw” retreat.
As you consider pausing at noon today to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you uplift every aspect of our ministry at CVZ. The power of prayer is amazing and beneficial towards the continual nourishment of all those who attend CVZ. Lives are being impacted for God’s Kingdom and strengthened to advance His Kingdom for His honor & glory – Praise the Lord. Keep praying God is doing a marvelous work in & through His church.
Stay connected to God & to others
God’s Peace,
Pastor Mike