Your Piece Matters: Finding Your Place In The Church
A Calling That Was Set in Place Long Ago
In Ephesians 4:1, the Apostle Paul writes:
Long before an individual knows him, God has already set a calling in place. He envisions for each person a relationship, a purpose, and a role within his family. However, this calling is not meant to be pursued in isolation.
The Apostle Paul’s words were not addressed to an individual but to the church as a whole. The calling that believers receive is not a personal mission; it is a communal calling. Throughout Scripture, from the Garden of Eden to the early Church and beyond, God has always called a people, not just a person.
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Long before an individual knows him, God has already set a calling in place. He envisions for each person a relationship, a purpose, and a role within his family. However, this calling is not meant to be pursued in isolation.
The Apostle Paul’s words were not addressed to an individual but to the church as a whole. The calling that believers receive is not a personal mission; it is a communal calling. Throughout Scripture, from the Garden of Eden to the early Church and beyond, God has always called a people, not just a person.
Called to Unity
Unity does not mean uniformity; it is choosing to place what unites above what divides.
Paul continues in Ephesians 4:3-6:
The repetition of the word “one” is a clear call to recognize the common ground shared within the body of Christ. Despite differences in backgrounds, preferences, and traditions, believers share the same Spirit, the same hope, and the same faith.
However, in today’s world, division often overshadows unity. Denominational disputes, social media conflicts, and theological debates frequently create separation rather than bringing people together. The problem arises when differences are elevated above the central calling of the gospel.
A helpful way to navigate these differences is to view beliefs in layers:
Divisions occur when non-essential issues are pushed into the core, making them as significant as the gospel itself. However, true unity comes from putting Christ above all else.
Paul emphasizes that unity is not passive; it requires intentional effort. Ephesians 4:3 states, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” This means setting aside personal preferences when they threaten to overshadow the greater mission of the church.
Paul continues in Ephesians 4:3-6:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.”
The repetition of the word “one” is a clear call to recognize the common ground shared within the body of Christ. Despite differences in backgrounds, preferences, and traditions, believers share the same Spirit, the same hope, and the same faith.
However, in today’s world, division often overshadows unity. Denominational disputes, social media conflicts, and theological debates frequently create separation rather than bringing people together. The problem arises when differences are elevated above the central calling of the gospel.
A helpful way to navigate these differences is to view beliefs in layers:
- At the center are the essential truths—the foundational beliefs of Christianity, such as Jesus being fully God and fully human, salvation through faith, and the resurrection.
- The next layer contains non-essential but important beliefs—topics like spiritual gifts, worship styles, and church governance.
- Further out are convictions—personal beliefs that vary among individuals, such as media choices or personal disciplines.
- On the outermost ring are preferences—things like music styles or church traditions that do not define the faith.
Divisions occur when non-essential issues are pushed into the core, making them as significant as the gospel itself. However, true unity comes from putting Christ above all else.
Paul emphasizes that unity is not passive; it requires intentional effort. Ephesians 4:3 states, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” This means setting aside personal preferences when they threaten to overshadow the greater mission of the church.
Called to Serve
Following the call to unity, Paul shifts the focus to the diversity of gifts within the church:
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7).
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
These verses highlight two important truths:
A common misconception is that a “calling” is reserved for vocational ministry. However, Scripture makes it clear that every believer is called. Spiritual gifts are not only for pastors or missionaries but for all who follow Christ.
Serving within the body of Christ leads to spiritual growth. A single Lego piece, by itself, serves no real function. It was designed to connect with others to build something greater. In the same way, believers grow when they engage in community and service.
One example of this is found in those who enter the church through service rather than traditional attendance. Many people first step into the church through acts of service—whether through volunteering in children’s ministry, greeting at the doors, or supporting outreach efforts. Over time, these acts of service foster deep relationships, spiritual growth, and a sense of belonging.
Paul reminds the church that the gifts given by God are not for personal gain but for the collective good. Unlike the world, which often encourages individuals to use their talents for personal success, the church operates differently. Spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of the entire body.
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7).
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
These verses highlight two important truths:
- Every believer has been given a spiritual gift.
- These gifts are meant to serve others, not just oneself.
A common misconception is that a “calling” is reserved for vocational ministry. However, Scripture makes it clear that every believer is called. Spiritual gifts are not only for pastors or missionaries but for all who follow Christ.
Serving within the body of Christ leads to spiritual growth. A single Lego piece, by itself, serves no real function. It was designed to connect with others to build something greater. In the same way, believers grow when they engage in community and service.
One example of this is found in those who enter the church through service rather than traditional attendance. Many people first step into the church through acts of service—whether through volunteering in children’s ministry, greeting at the doors, or supporting outreach efforts. Over time, these acts of service foster deep relationships, spiritual growth, and a sense of belonging.
Paul reminds the church that the gifts given by God are not for personal gain but for the collective good. Unlike the world, which often encourages individuals to use their talents for personal success, the church operates differently. Spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of the entire body.
Called to Grow Together
Paul closes this passage with a call to spiritual maturity:
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves…” (Ephesians 4:14).
Just as a parent desires to see a child grow and develop, God desires for his people to mature in faith.
Maturity means being firmly grounded in truth, not easily swayed by every new trend or ideology. The modern world is filled with competing voices, often leading to confusion and uncertainty. Social media alone presents endless opinions on faith, culture, and morality. Without a strong foundation, it is easy to become spiritually unstable, constantly shifting beliefs based on popular opinion.
Paul’s solution is clear:
This process cannot be done in isolation. Spiritual maturity is not just about personal study but about growing in community. Each believer plays a part in strengthening the church.
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves…” (Ephesians 4:14).
Just as a parent desires to see a child grow and develop, God desires for his people to mature in faith.
Maturity means being firmly grounded in truth, not easily swayed by every new trend or ideology. The modern world is filled with competing voices, often leading to confusion and uncertainty. Social media alone presents endless opinions on faith, culture, and morality. Without a strong foundation, it is easy to become spiritually unstable, constantly shifting beliefs based on popular opinion.
Paul’s solution is clear:
- Stay connected to the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3-4)
- Serve and support one another (Ephesians 4:12)
- Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
This process cannot be done in isolation. Spiritual maturity is not just about personal study but about growing in community. Each believer plays a part in strengthening the church.
Taking The Next Step
Every believer has a role in the body of Christ. The question is: What is the next step?
1. Discover Spiritual Gifts - Identifying how God has uniquely wired each person is the first step to moving into a calling.
2. Engage in the Body of Christ - Are gifts being used for the benefit of others? Is there an active role in serving and building up the church?
3. Commit to Spiritual Growth - Growing in faith requires intentionality, community, and service. The call to be part of the church is not just an invitation to attend; it is a call to participate. The Christian life was never meant to be lived on the sidelines. It is a dynamic, growing, serving faith.
One step closer. That’s all it takes.
So, what is your next step today?
1. Discover Spiritual Gifts - Identifying how God has uniquely wired each person is the first step to moving into a calling.
2. Engage in the Body of Christ - Are gifts being used for the benefit of others? Is there an active role in serving and building up the church?
3. Commit to Spiritual Growth - Growing in faith requires intentionality, community, and service. The call to be part of the church is not just an invitation to attend; it is a call to participate. The Christian life was never meant to be lived on the sidelines. It is a dynamic, growing, serving faith.
One step closer. That’s all it takes.
So, what is your next step today?