A Simple Guide to Being the Body of Christ
If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to be “the Church,” you’re not alone. Many people think of the church as a building with a steeple, pews, and stained glass windows, or maybe a place where you go on Sundays to sing, pray, and listen to a sermon. While those are familiar parts of the church experience, they don’t get to the heart of what the church really is, especially when we look at what the Bible has to say.
What Does “Church” Really Mean?
Let’s start with a word from the Bible: “ekklesia.” It’s a Greek word that shows up in the New Testament, and when translated, it means “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” In plain terms, the “church” isn’t the building or the program—it’s the people. Anyone who follows Jesus, anywhere in the world, is part of the church. You might meet in a cathedral, a school gym, someone’s living room, or even online. What matters is that believers are gathering together because they’ve been “called out” by God to worship, serve, and live differently from the rest of the world.
The idea of ekklesia is about people responding to God’s call, coming together to encourage one another, to help each other grow, and to share God’s love with others. It’s a team effort—a family, really—made up of people who want to follow Jesus and make a difference.
It’s More Than a Building
It can be easy to think of church as just a place you go, but the Bible reminds us that church is much more than four walls and a roof. In fact, some of the earliest Christians met in homes, outdoors, or wherever they could find space. The real “church” is you and me, anyone who trusts in Jesus and wants to live out their faith.
Imagine a sports team. The team isn’t just the stadium or the jerseys; it’s the people who play together, support each other, and strive for a common goal. In the same way, the church is made up of people working together to love God and others.
Being the Body of Christ
One of the Bible’s favorite ways to describe the church is as a “body.” Just like your body has many parts—hands, feet, eyes, ears—the church is made up of many different people, each with their own special role and gifts. Some people teach, others help out with practical needs, some sing, some serve quietly behind the scenes. Every person is important, and together, we make up the body of Christ.
When the Bible talks about the church as a body, it’s emphasizing that we need each other. No one is meant to go it alone, and everyone brings something valuable to the table. The church is strongest when everyone is working together, each person using their talents and gifts for the good of the whole.
What Did Jesus Say About the Church?
Jesus had a lot to say about his people—the church. In Matthew 28:16-20, sometimes called “The Great Commission,” Jesus meets with his closest followers after his resurrection and gives them important instructions. He tells them to go out into all the world, make disciples (that just means students or followers), baptize them, and teach them everything he’s commanded.
The point here is that Jesus didn’t just want a little group to stay put in one place; he wanted his followers to go everywhere, to all kinds of people, and share the good news of God’s love. This message wasn’t just for the people who were already on the inside—it was for everyone, everywhere. Jesus welcomed all to come and find new life through him.
Another key part of what Jesus taught is that believing in him means we’re never alone. He promised his followers, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” That means, wherever believers are gathered—whether there are two or two thousand—Jesus is present with them. It’s a comforting thought, especially when life gets tough or when faith feels shaky. Jesus is always with his people, giving them strength, hope, and guidance.
The Church’s Mission: Making a Difference
So, if the church is made up of people who follow Jesus, what’s our purpose? The Bible says our job is to love God, love one another, and share that love with the world. That can look like all kinds of things: caring for those in need, welcoming people who feel left out, helping others learn about Jesus, and living lives that show God’s kindness and mercy.
The church isn’t meant to be a closed club or a private hideout. Instead, it’s more like a rescue team, always looking for ways to bring hope, healing, and help where it’s needed most. Every follower of Jesus is part of that mission, and everyone has something important to contribute.
Common Misunderstandings
Sometimes, people think you have to be perfect to be part of the church, or that you have to follow a bunch of rules to fit in. But the truth is, the church is made up of ordinary people—people who mess up, struggle, and need God’s grace. Christianity is for anyone who realizes they need help, who wants forgiveness for their mistakes, and who wants to start fresh.
The church is not about pretending to have it all together; it’s about admitting we need God and helping each other along the way. We come together to worship, to learn, to grow, and to support one another, no matter where we’re at in life.
Baptism: An Outward Sign of an Inward Change
One thing Jesus mentioned in his Great Commission is baptism. Baptism is a way of publicly showing that someone has decided to follow Jesus. It’s like an outward symbol of an inward change. In the early church, baptism was a sign that someone had been “washed” clean—set free from old mistakes, given a new start.
But more than just a ritual, baptism represents what happens inside a person when they trust Jesus: their old self dies, and they’re given new life. It’s a way for the church to celebrate and welcome new members into the family.
Always Together, Never Alone
A powerful promise Jesus made is that he would always be with his people, every day, no matter what. Whether you’re in a church building, at home, at work, or anywhere else, Jesus is there. That means, when you’re sad, scared, confused, or happy, he’s with you through it all.
This is one of the best things about being part of the church—knowing you belong to a group that’s never truly alone. When believers get together, Jesus is right there with them, guiding, comforting, and giving them what they need.
How Can You Be the Church?
You might be wondering, “How do I become part of this church?” The answer is beautifully simple: say “yes” to following Jesus. You don’t have to have it all figured out, and you don’t have to be perfect. Just trust him, join in with other believers, and start living the way he teaches—loving God and loving others.
You can be the church anywhere you go. At school, on the job, with friends, at home—wherever you are, you can show kindness, encourage others, help those in need, and share what you’ve learned about God’s love.
Final Thoughts: The Church Is You
In the end, “church” isn’t about the building, the schedule, or the traditions. It’s about people—people who are called out to follow Jesus, come together, and make a positive impact. The ekklesia is a worldwide family, made up of millions of people, all connected by the love of Christ.
Whether you’re brand new to faith or you’ve been following Jesus for years, you’re invited to be part of this great adventure. The church is not just something you go to—it’s something you are. Each of us, individually and together, gets to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus in the world.
And that’s what it means to be the church: ordinary people, called out by God, united by love, and sent out to make a real difference—today, tomorrow, and always.
Blessings,
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 