The bible tells us, those labels are no longer useful, instead we are now all simply “members of Christ’s body”. Paradoxically this makes us more significant than when we acted independently. Our co-operation brings glory to God and Christ as our head and King. Different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together is a working of God’s Spirit.

I have been able to witness this happening in a number of ways in current times.

In Southern Africa, our largest church, after the departure of Oneychi and Deysi Oguagha to New York, was left without a lead evangelist. Possible candidates were discussed at an Africa wide discipleship group held in Abidjan. The decision was made to ask my wife and I to move from Cape Town to take up that position. Initially we were very reluctant, my dad and stepmom (who are both disciples) had just moved to the Cape and lived a few streets away (built in baby sitters!). My wife’s parents had moved from the Canary Islands to live a few suburbs away and my wife’s sister (who was on the mission team to Madrid, Spain) and brother had also moved to Cape Town. On top of that, the church was thriving and had being growing for six straight years, even through the worldwide turmoil of 2003. Not mentioning that Cape Town is possibly the most beautiful city in the world!

Both congregations were asked to pray about these matters and seek God’s will. It became increasingly clear to everyone that this was the way the Spirit of God was leading, so my wife and I, remembering the decision we made at baptism, "to give up everything and go anywhere for the cause of Christ” packed our bags and moved with our two kids to Johannesburg. No command and control was involved, no central authority, just co-operation with the Spirit of God. One body, one family, working together for the purposes of God. 

Another example of this has been in helping out with financial needs in the body. Southern Africa Missions oversees and funds the evangelization of 12 countries in Southern Africa. In late 2007, one of the USA support churches came up short in their mission’s contribution and predicted even less for the following year. This, as you can imagine, put severe financial stress on the Southern Africa churches, but just as the bible describes in:

Other parts of the body rallied to help in glorious co-operation. The Columbia church in South Carolina upped their normal missions contribution by $20 000 to help, the San Antonio church in Texas chipped in $10 000. Other churches volunteered to help if there was further shortfall. 

This is true in the US too. A church planting is being planned for Clemson, South Carolina. The Athens church in Georgia is supplying the lead couple, the Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, Savannah and other churches are supplying funding for this co-operative effort. No command and control, just parts of the body working just like Jesus envisioned they would. No autonomy, just brotherhood, partnership, and glorious co-operation. 

The stories go on and on... In the Caribbean, Damian and Karlene Jean-Baptiste are moving to Barbados to strengthen the churches and plant new congregations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean. The New York City International church of Christ is providing the largest share of the support but other parts of the body are sharing in this work. The Athens, Savannah and Columbia churches are pulling together to provide the other half of the support needed. How wonderful is that?

I can’t help feeling Jesus must feel a deep sense of pride when the members of his body act in such wonderful harmony and co-operation. 

Autonomy? No way! Just glorious co-operation in the body of Christ.