When you think of church, what comes to mind? Is it a place you drag yourself to on Sunday mornings? Or maybe it’s something you check off your weekly to-do list so your mom will stop asking if you’ve been to church. Well, I’ve got some news for you—church is so much more than that. It’s not just a place you go; it’s a family you belong to. And guess what? You are the church. Yeah, you heard me right. 

What Does It Mean to Be the Church?

When we say, “You are the church,” we’re saying that church isn’t confined to a building or a specific time of the week. The church is a living, breathing community of people united by one incredible truth: Jesus is the hope of the world. That’s what ties us all together, no matter our backgrounds or political views.

Ephesians 2:19-21 says, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” 

Isn’t that cool? We’re not just visitors or guests. We’re family. And like any healthy family, everyone has a role to play.

Engaging with the Church as a Healthy Family

So, what does it look like to engage with the church as a healthy family? First off, it’s about showing up—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. It’s about being present and participating. When you’re engaged, church stops being a checklist item and starts being a community where you can make a difference.

Think of it like this: When you’re with your friends, you’re not just there to hang out and do nothing. You’re there to connect, support each other, and have fun together. The same goes for church. Ephesians 4:16 puts it perfectly: “From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

That means every single one of us has something to contribute. When we all do our part, we grow stronger together.

Moving from Consumer to Contributor

Now, let’s talk about shifting from just consuming to contributing. It’s easy to sit back and let others do the work, but where’s the fun in that? Getting involved is where the real magic happens. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Attend and Invite: Start making attendance a priority and invest in it so much that you want to invite your friends. 

2. Invest and Volunteer: Whether it’s helping with the kids' ministry, playing in the worship band, or greeting people at the door, there’s a place for your unique gifts. Invest your time and your money to help spread the message of Christ.

3. Be a Friend: Look out for those who might be new or feeling out of place. A simple “Hey, how’s it going?” can go a long way.

4. Pray and Encourage: Never underestimate the power of a kind word or a prayer. Supporting each other spiritually is a big part of being the church.

Making a Difference Together

Imagine what could happen if we all engaged with the church as a healthy family. We’d be a force for good in our communities, spreading hope and love wherever we go. We’d break down barriers, unite under the message that Jesus is the hope of the world, and truly change lives. 

So here’s the challenge: Don’t just go to church. Be the church. Show up, get involved, and make a difference. Remember, you are part of something bigger than yourself—a diverse, active, and loving family. And together, we can change the world. 

At Centerpoint, we believe in the power of community and the difference we can make together. Whether you’re new to this whole church thing or have been around for a while, we invite you to dive in and discover what it means to be part of this family. Check out our podcast series, join a Sunday service, or get connected with one of our small groups. We’re in this together, and we can’t wait to see how you’ll make a difference.