The Blessing of the Church
Stronger Together: What the Church Really Means
We’re nearing the end of our series on the Apostles’ Creed, and this week we turned our attention to one of the most important — and sometimes misunderstood — lines: “I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints.”
Let’s get this out of the way: “catholic” in this context doesn’t mean Roman Catholic. The word simply means universal. It reflects the truth that God is calling people from every tribe, language, nation, and background to Himself. The church is bigger than one building, one denomination, or even one moment in time. It’s the global, timeless body of believers — the people of God.
What Makes the Church “Holy”?
“Holy” can be a tricky word. We know the church isn’t perfect. We’re all sinners, and church history — even recent history — is full of missteps. But in Scripture, holy doesn’t mean “perfect”; it means “set apart.” The church is set apart by God and for God. We are His people, called to reflect His love and carry His mission in the world.
A Radical Vision of Community
The early church was unlike anything the world had ever seen. Different ages, ethnicities, and social classes gathering together in the name of Jesus? It was revolutionary then — and it still is today. God’s church is meant to be diverse, united not by earthly identities but by our shared identity in Christ. We are not American Christians or Asian Christians or Presbyterian Christians. We are Christians who happen to live in certain places or come from certain traditions.
This radical unity means we’re called to welcome one another — across generations, backgrounds, and life stages. And while our community here in Mercer, PA, might not be the most ethnically diverse, we can still be intentional about embracing differences and making everyone feel seen and valued.
The Power of the Church
When Jesus told Peter, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” He was introducing something powerful and enduring. The church isn’t a building or a Sunday morning service. It’s a people. And it has power — real power — when we live into our calling together.
As Paul explains in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, the church is like a body, made up of many different parts. Each person has a unique role and set of gifts. Whether you’re great with kids, good with your hands, gifted in teaching, or passionate about hospitality — you matter. We are stronger together when we use our gifts to serve each other and build up the body.
Why Gathering Together Matters
The final part of the creed we explored this week — the communion of saints — reminds us of the importance of gathering regularly for worship and fellowship. This was especially highlighted during the COVID years when so much of life moved online. Digital tools can be helpful, but they are no substitute for being physically present with one another.
Scripture urges us not to neglect meeting together, because in those shared moments we encourage one another, stir one another up toward love and good deeds, and grow together in faith. We laugh, cry, serve, and sacrifice for each other. We become family.
Your Role in the Body
You may not know your spiritual gifts yet — and that’s okay. We’d love to help you explore them. Whether you’re new to faith or have been following Jesus for decades, you have a part to play. There is a place for you in the church, because you are the church.
So let this be a gentle challenge: Prioritize worship. Make space in your life to regularly gather with your church family. Consider joining a small group this fall where deeper relationships and discipleship can grow. Not out of guilt, but because this is how we become all God is calling us to be — together.
The church isn’t perfect. But it is powerful, because it belongs to a perfect God who set us apart for His mission. Let’s be His people — together.
We’re nearing the end of our series on the Apostles’ Creed, and this week we turned our attention to one of the most important — and sometimes misunderstood — lines: “I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints.”
Let’s get this out of the way: “catholic” in this context doesn’t mean Roman Catholic. The word simply means universal. It reflects the truth that God is calling people from every tribe, language, nation, and background to Himself. The church is bigger than one building, one denomination, or even one moment in time. It’s the global, timeless body of believers — the people of God.
What Makes the Church “Holy”?
“Holy” can be a tricky word. We know the church isn’t perfect. We’re all sinners, and church history — even recent history — is full of missteps. But in Scripture, holy doesn’t mean “perfect”; it means “set apart.” The church is set apart by God and for God. We are His people, called to reflect His love and carry His mission in the world.
A Radical Vision of Community
The early church was unlike anything the world had ever seen. Different ages, ethnicities, and social classes gathering together in the name of Jesus? It was revolutionary then — and it still is today. God’s church is meant to be diverse, united not by earthly identities but by our shared identity in Christ. We are not American Christians or Asian Christians or Presbyterian Christians. We are Christians who happen to live in certain places or come from certain traditions.
This radical unity means we’re called to welcome one another — across generations, backgrounds, and life stages. And while our community here in Mercer, PA, might not be the most ethnically diverse, we can still be intentional about embracing differences and making everyone feel seen and valued.
The Power of the Church
When Jesus told Peter, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” He was introducing something powerful and enduring. The church isn’t a building or a Sunday morning service. It’s a people. And it has power — real power — when we live into our calling together.
As Paul explains in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, the church is like a body, made up of many different parts. Each person has a unique role and set of gifts. Whether you’re great with kids, good with your hands, gifted in teaching, or passionate about hospitality — you matter. We are stronger together when we use our gifts to serve each other and build up the body.
Why Gathering Together Matters
The final part of the creed we explored this week — the communion of saints — reminds us of the importance of gathering regularly for worship and fellowship. This was especially highlighted during the COVID years when so much of life moved online. Digital tools can be helpful, but they are no substitute for being physically present with one another.
Scripture urges us not to neglect meeting together, because in those shared moments we encourage one another, stir one another up toward love and good deeds, and grow together in faith. We laugh, cry, serve, and sacrifice for each other. We become family.
Your Role in the Body
You may not know your spiritual gifts yet — and that’s okay. We’d love to help you explore them. Whether you’re new to faith or have been following Jesus for decades, you have a part to play. There is a place for you in the church, because you are the church.
So let this be a gentle challenge: Prioritize worship. Make space in your life to regularly gather with your church family. Consider joining a small group this fall where deeper relationships and discipleship can grow. Not out of guilt, but because this is how we become all God is calling us to be — together.
The church isn’t perfect. But it is powerful, because it belongs to a perfect God who set us apart for His mission. Let’s be His people — together.
Posted in Apostles\\\' Creed, Church History, Relationship with God, The Church, Community, Diversity
Posted in Community, worship, diversity in the church, all are welcome, Holy Church, Role of church
Posted in Community, worship, diversity in the church, all are welcome, Holy Church, Role of church
Recent
Archive
2025
March
April
May
June
No Comments