Children's Ministry Update, May 5, 2024

The twelfth chapter of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth is known for its role in encouraging the church body toward unity. Steering us away from division and partiality, this passage reminds us that we each have a role to play in Christ’s mission of sharing the gospel. Our differences can serve to strengthen us, if only we walk together in obedience to Jesus' mission through the power of the Holy Spirit.

How can we best determine how to serve within the body of Christ? What does unity look like in the modern-day church?

It can often be difficult to determine how we can serve within the church. We might even feel like the service we have to offer is unimportant. Yet, Paul wrote to encourage the Corinthian church to remember that all roles within the body of Christ are indispensable. As we seek to serve within the church we can consider our interests, passions, and giftings, which are given to us by God for His glory. Like Paul wrote in verse 17, if we all try to take on the same role within the church, we do not function in the ways God designed us. Therefore, we can trust that the gifts and interests God has given us play an important role in the purpose of His church and in the edification of the saints toward gospel-centered unity.

Though we may not all be called to be pastors, we might be given the roles of Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, camera operators, sound engineers, bakers, meal deliverers, and so on for our churches. Paul calls us to pursue unity in the body, even amidst our diverse giftings in the church. He reminds us that the same Spirit is active within all believers, yet working uniquely within each of us as He calls us to serve for our common good. We can rejoice that God uses diverse people with various giftings to demonstrate how the Spirit unites us all to one another through Christ.

As you discuss the story with your kids, remember that every member of the body of Christ, including you and any of your kids who have trusted in Jesus, have an essential role to play in building up God’s church! As you boldly proclaim these truths of the gospel, pray that your family will pursue unity and seek how they can serve within the body of Christ.