Introduction

Ken describes the church not primarily as an organization or

club, but as the living body of Christ. As you discuss this message, consider

what it means to belong to one another and to practice membership through

participation, mutual concern, and submission to Christ.

Discussion Questions

1. Romans 12:4–5 says that we are one body with many members and that each member belongs to all the others. What does “belongs to all the others” suggest about our responsibilities to one another?
2. Ken contrasts an organism with an organization. How does thinking of the church as a living body change the way you understand church membership?
3. Ken says, “Membership is not something you place.Membership is something you practice.” What is the difference between those two ideas?
4. What are some ways Christians can unintentionally treat church membership like membership in a club?
5. In 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, what do the different parts of the body teach us about dependence on one another?
6. Ken’s first point is that no member is sufficient. Where are you most tempted toward spiritual self-sufficiency or isolation?
7. Why can it be difficult to believe that every member is important, especially when some roles are more visible than others?
8. Verse 25 says the parts of the body should have “equal concern for each other.” What could equal concern look like in the everyday life of our congregation?
9. Ken says that every member submits and that “mutual harmony is more important than individual preference.” Where is the line between healthy personal preference and a preference that harms unity?
10. How can a church disagree about methods, styles, or preferences while still submitting together to Christ as the head?
11. Ken asks, “How healthy would this body be…if everyone practiced your kind of membership?” How would you personally answer that question?
12. What is one concrete way you can practice membership this week—by connecting, serving, encouraging, submitting, or caring for another member of the body?

Digging Deeper

Romans 12:3–8 • 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 • Colossians 1:15–20 • Ephesians 4:1–16 • John 1:1–14

Weekly Challenge

Choose one member of the Tenth & Broad church family

whose contribution is usually unseen. Encourage that person specifically, and

find one practical way to strengthen your connection to the body this week.

Prayer Focus

Ask God to make Tenth & Broad a healthy, unified body in which every member is valued, every member participates, and Christ truly has

the final say.