What is the Body of Christ and Why Renew it?

What is the Body of Christ ?
As Christians we are all members of the Body of Christ. We are the community of believers who come together to do God's work in the world. We seek to live into the ideals of the Kingdom of God, both in our church community and in the larger world. It is our task as "Kingdom people" to grow into deeper relationship with God and with each other. It is our work as Christians to follow the teachings and walk "The Way" of Jesus Christ. We are guided in this work by the Holy Spirit. We are the Body of Christ. We are Christ's face, arms, hands, heart, and feet to a broken world that longs for peace but is locked in struggle. We are the seekers, a light burning brightly that confesses Jesus' love and hope for humanity. Charged with bringing light to injustice, and love and kindness to all with the help of God, we proudly proclaim a new way of life is possible.

Why Renew it ?
However, though we are the Body, and God has given us everything we need for this journey of faith, it is often difficult to live this out, inside and outside the church community. Our own lives develop "wrinkles" - disappointments and tragedies, pain and confusion, times when we feel separated from the Divine Presence. Our church family starts to have "fine lines' - we experience breaks in our relationships, anger that is not dealt with, and frustration we can't let go of. We may find that over time we need a "makeover", a chance to look at the places in our lives and faith that may need repair or rebuilding. Jesus spoke of a "Way" not an "Arrival". When we become Christians we do not arrive at the end point of our spiritual journey. Rather we begin a long walk of faith. Long walks require sustenance for the journey. ESMHE is designed to help people identify areas of spiritual needs and to assist in developing practices and beliefs, a plan or blueprint if you will, that will help address those needs. For each believer this may require a different plan, but the true joy of being a Christian is being able to work within a church community that supports each person's walk with Christ. While we walk together we truly become the Body of Christ to a world in desperate need of our vision of hope.