Imagine going to a parade where everyone who was supposed to be in the parade, with the exception of a few people, sat on the curb cheering. Ask any pastor or church staff member–this is the issue they spend most of their time trying to overcome. It’s no secret that there’s a problem with the West’s version of Christianity. There are a few people on stage using their gifts while the rest of us stare at the back of someone's head from the curb. Scripture seems to offer a solution.

We need a full-body workout. The Apostle Paul says that our spiritual maturity is at stake when only a few people function in their calling (Eph 4:11-16). At Neighborly House, we want to express the fullness of Christ to the world, so there are few things as important to us as figuring out how each person’s gift can contribute. The absence of a member of Christ’s body in the gathering should be as jarring as waking up without a limb. It’s more than “I missed you in worship.” It’s “We were a dysfunctional body without you because you are integral.” Think of the South African term “ubuntu,” which means “I am because we are.” When any individual gets this wrong and tries to function as all of the body parts, we have people trying to walk around on their hands. Sure, it can be done. Maybe even done well if it’s all you’ve ever known, but it’s limiting and unsustainable because it’s not what hands are designed to do. But alas, this captivating vision of a full-body workout comes with a catch-22. MLK Jr articulated it well when he said, “I cannot be who I ought to be unless you are who you ought to be.” One’s ability to faithfully follow God’s design for his Church is made possible only when others live into that vision.