March 6, 2008
By Stephen Boda, pastor of Bridge of Hope (Alliance) Church in St. Louis, Missouri
Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the body of Christ is made up of many parts. One part can’t say to another, “I don’t need you.” Last Sunday was just another such reminder to me of how important each person is in our fellowship. Four of our Urban Ministry Institute (our leadership training program) students led the service, teaching us what they have been learning from their classes: the Old Testament witness of Christ, Theology of the Church, Justice and Mercy, and God, the Holy Spirit.
As I listened, I was amazed at how far our little congregation has come in its knowledge of the Bible. In a community where women typically dominate the visible church, there is at least a ten to one male-dominated attendance in our classes. God is raising up men to be leaders among us.
I was driving home, feeling proud of these young men, when I received a call from Gil, a church member who had given Aretha a ride home. Aretha is a 10-year-old trapped in a 30-year-old body. Her faith is simple, but contagious. Gil and Aretha had stopped at a local ministry thrift store to find some much-needed clothing for Aretha and her daughters. As they looked around, Gil noticed that Aretha had found a book and was reading it aloud. When he looked closer, he realized that it was a beginner’s Bible for children. Aretha looked up at Gil and said, “This is a great book!” She went home with it. Aretha’s hunger for the Word is no different than the young men that had just spoken at church.
My heart was filled with so much joy; I could hardly contain myself. God had just reminded me again of how the weaker vessels are to be treated with greater honor. Each one demonstrated the power of God working in their lives, and I, the pastor, was the student. They done schooled me good. Each part is important for the Body to survive. Thank you for your great love, Lord, and for giving us all we need to live in life and godliness.