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From
the October, 1995 edition of The Doulos monthly
newsletter
by
Joe Fitler
Next to their immediate families, I've heard many people say that they are
closest to their "church family". To some, the church is their only family. When coming to a church for the first time, whether from relocation or as a new believer we are all eager to develop and nurture new relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes,
though, we can find ourselves discouraged if we are not sought out and welcomed as we would like. It may seem as though we have scarcely any time to get to know anyone during those crowded and hectic times following the Sunday worship service. How do we begin to feel like we belong to, rather than simply attend The Chapel in North Canton?
The answer is this: find an area of church ministry to get involved in. The body of believers in Christ has many parts; each is essential to its function (see
I Corinthians
12:14-26). Each of us has an area of giftedness waiting to be used to build God's kingdom. How? This can be through greeting people on Sunday morning, joining an Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF), running a slide projector, helping or teaching a Sunday school class, being handy with tools, serving as an usher, joining a small group, singing in the choir, helping transport the youth group, preparing a meal or helping out in the nursery, to name just a few. All are important to the church body. And friendships begun in the service of the Lord are lasting ones.
Look around. Take that step. Find a niche. Use your gifts. Let's continue together to help build up the body of Christ!
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
I Corinthians 12:27
In Him,
Joe Fitler
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