“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Leadership of the church by the church. To move forward, to live into the more excellent way as individuals and as the Body of Christ we are to do so in unity, utilizing our diverse gifts in conjunction with each other. No one gift more important than another, no one person more important than another. Each recognizing the need to receive other’s strengths while sharing their own. Christianity is a team sport. The decision to accept Christ as Savior, to allow God to transform us into the likeness of Christ is an individual decision. However, it is to be lived out in fellowship with the Body of Christ. Each contributing as has ability, each receiving assistance from others as has need. Honestly recognizing one’s need to be part of the team is a first step. In every congregation there exists individuals with an abundance of spiritual gifts; synthesizing those gifts into unity of effort is a second step. Together, we are able to journey the more excellent way.