MAMily,

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Church is one body with many parts—each uniquely gifted by the Spirit for the common good. As we continue in the truth that, "GOD things are happening at MAM," I want to encourage you that you are a part of those God things.  Your presence and your gifts are vital to what God is doing at MAM for the purpose of building us as a community and to expand the kingdom of God in our neighborhood.  This week I saw an article talking about church renewal that used the anatomy of the human body to reflect how change and renewal happen within the Church, so I adapted that email and added some specific ways in which God uses spiritual gifts in both community and neighborhood building.  I think it's helpful to reflect on the anatomy of the human body and how each part serves a vital function.  Though we can adapt to functioning without certain parts of our anatomy, we flourish best when the full body is functioning at its full capacity - just like the church functions best when all of our gifts are functioning.  Below, I've paired various body systems with spiritual gifts and offered practical insights on how those gifts can be expressed both within and beyond the church walls.

1. The Immune System – The Gift of Discernment

Just as the immune system protects the body by identifying and rejecting harmful intrusions, so too the gift of discernment (1 Cor. 12:10) protects the Church from spiritual deception and unhealthy change. These individuals sense when something "foreign" is introduced that doesn't align with God’s truth.

Who in your church guards the health of the community with wisdom and spiritual insight? These discerning members can be instrumental in bringing change from the inside—not by resisting new ideas, but by ensuring they are rooted in truth and love.

In Action:

  • In the Church: Participating in elder boards or leadership teams, helping evaluate teaching and direction.

  • Beyond the Church: Providing spiritual counsel in workplaces or schools, identifying ethical or spiritual missteps.

2. The Eyes – The Gift of Prophecy or Vision

Eyes help us see what lies ahead. Similarly, those with prophetic or visionary gifts (Romans 12:6, Acts 2:17) can see beyond the present and call the Church toward its future.

Who in your congregation sees what’s next before others do? These are your dreamers and planners—those who perceive where God might be leading.

In Action:

  • In the Church: Guiding long-term strategic planning, initiating outreach ministries.

  • Beyond the Church: Launching community initiatives, advocating for social justice rooted in biblical truth.

3. The Brain – The Gift of Leadership and Wisdom

The brain organizes information and makes strategic decisions. Likewise, those gifted with leadership, wisdom, and knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8; Rom. 12:8) help shape vision into action.

Who in your church processes raw ideas into workable strategies? They may not always speak the loudest, but they help you execute with clarity and intention.

In Action:

  • In the Church: Serving on planning teams, leading ministries with intentional structure.

  • Beyond the Church: Consulting, mentoring, or leading organizations with a kingdom mindset.

4. The Blood Vessels – The Gift of Encouragement and Hospitality

Just as blood vessels carry life to every part of the body, gifts like encouragement and hospitality (Rom. 12:8; 1 Pet. 4:9) help connect people and ideas across the congregation.

Who in your church connects across generations, demographics, and groups? These relationally gifted members are essential for spreading vision and cultivating unity.

In Action:

  • In the Church: Welcoming new members, organizing events, building bridges between ministries.

  • Beyond the Church: Creating inclusive spaces in neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces.

5. The Skeleton and Muscles – The Gifts of Teaching and Faith

Bones provide structure; muscles enable movement. In the same way, teachers (Eph. 4:11) offer stability through doctrine, while those with strong faith (1 Cor. 12:9) help propel the Church into action.

Who provides your theological backbone—and who supplies the energy to move forward? You need both: the steady and the bold, the grounded and the risk-takers.

In Action:

  • In the Church: Teachers grounding the church in Scripture; faith-driven leaders piloting new initiatives.

  • Beyond the Church: Public speakers, writers, or mission-driven entrepreneurs who hold fast to truth and inspire movement.

6. The Feet – The Gift of Service and Evangelism

Feet make action possible. Similarly, those with gifts of service and evangelism (Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11) bring theology to life by living it out daily.

Who are the doers in your church—the ones always on the move for the sake of the Gospel? These are the people who live James 2:17, proving their faith by their works.

In Action:

  • In the Church: Coordinating outreach, organizing service days, mentoring younger members.

  • Beyond the Church: Sharing the Gospel at work, volunteering in the community, embodying Christ through everyday kindness.

Final Reflection

God gave us different gifts not to compete, but to complete one another. Just as no part of the human body is unimportant, every gift—whether seen or unseen—matters deeply in the life of the Church and the world.

As we move forward, consider:
Which part of the Body is underutilized in our church? Which gifts need to be awakened, affirmed, or released into mission—both inside and outside the walls?  How can the gifts you have been uniquely given be deployed at MAM and in our Neighborhood?

Let’s honor the diversity of the body and empower every member to fulfill their role with joy and confidence.

Blessings,
Pastor Winfred