“We are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”
-Ephesians 4:15-16
In architecture, the principle “form follows function” emphasizes that a structure’s design should be shaped by its purpose. Buildings that endure aren’t constructed for aesthetics alone; instead, form manifests as an expression of a specific function.
The same is true for the Body of Christ. God’s design for the church isn’t arbitrary. Christ has a vision and mission for His church. Therefore, every member of His Body has a distinct role. The church only thrives when each part/member functions properly as Christ intended.
Functional Membership: Christ’s Vision for His Church
One of the most damaging trends in modern churches is the rise of self-appointed critics—people who occupy pews but not roles, choosing to commentate as sideline critics rather than contributing as joy-filled functional members. Membership in the Body of Christ is far more than affiliation or attendance. It’s active participation in a common vision, mission, values, and identity. Paul makes this crystal clear in Ephesians 4:11-16.
“Christ’s Body doesn’t have an appendix.”
Here’s the truth: Christ’s Body doesn’t have an appendix. There are no superfluous parts. There is no spiritual gift of criticism. And if one doesn’t have an active role in building up the church, they aren’t functioning as a member of it.
Membership Means Doing Your Part
Church isn’t a spectator sport. Each member is called to contribute to the body’s health, growth, and mission. If one finds oneself criticizing or commenting on what others are doing, it’s time to ask some hard questions about your identity and role.
Perhaps God is calling you to a season of listening and unlearning—purging old, dysfunctional ways of “doing church” so you can approach His work with fresh eyes and renewed humility. And that’s okay. But if you’re not actively seeking to serve in humility under the leadership God has provided, consider this: are you helping build up the Body of Christ, or are you weighing it down with selfish ambition, gossip, criticism, and division?
The old adage, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way,” may sound harsh in today’s woke culture of affirmation and participation trophies, but it’s consistent with Christ’s culture for His church. He calls us to serve, sacrifice, and submit for the sake of His glory and the good of others (Matthew 20:26-28).
The Warning of Korah
For those tempted to criticize without contributing, the story of Korah in Numbers 16 is a sobering reminder. Korah wasn’t concerned with the well-being of Israel or the glory of God—he was consumed with feeling important, advancing his own agenda, and challenging Moses’ God-ordained leadership.
Korah’s rebellion brought no solutions, no benefits to the people, and no glory to God. Instead, it cost him—and those who followed him—their lives. The lesson is clear: division, criticism, and self-promotion are deadly and have no place in the Body of Christ.
Christ’s Vision for His Church
As members of Christ’s church, we are called to a high & holy standard:
• To die to ourselves (Galatians 2:20).
• To adopt Christ’s humility and selflessness (Philippians 2:1-5).
• To serve others, not demand service (Matthew 20:26-28).
For those interested in advancing their own opinions and agendas rather than living out biblical truths, they’re exposing spiritual immaturity and exuding toxicity. Gossip and division are inevitable when relevance-seeking critics prioritize their own insecurities, ambitions, agendas, and voices over the unity and mission of Christ's church.
An Encouraging Call to Action
So what does functional membership look like? It means:
• Finding your role: Pray, seek counsel, and discern how Christ Jesus has called and gifted you to serve His church. Then stay in your lane.
• Building up the body: Use your gifts to edify others and contribute to the church’s mission (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
• Submitting to Christ’s vision: Humble yourself under His lordship and God-ordained leadership to seek His glory above your own.
Christ’s Body needs functional members. Kneecaps make horrible fingers. The Body of Christ requires every member doing their God-ordained part to work together in harmony. There’s no room for disgruntled or idle curmudgeons. There's no appendix in Christ's Body.
The Body of Christ doesn’t need divisive critics. If you don’t yet know your specific role or feel compelled to complain, the best place to start is by committing to prayer, listening, and learning. And if you’re tempted to criticize, ask yourself: Am I offering solutions that build up the body, or am I tearing down what others are faithfully building?
Christ’s vision for His church hasn’t changed. The bar hasn’t been lowered. Membership isn’t about getting your name on a roster after attending a class. Membership in a church isn't like being a member of a gym or yacht club. It's not about paying dues as a consumer. It's not about passive identity—it’s an active calling to be a healthy, functional, and contributing part of something eternally greater than ourselves.
Let us joyfully embrace the calling and commission of King Jesus in Matthew 20:26-28. Let us work together in joyful humility to glorify our God of Holy Trinity. Let’s build up His Church in joy and love to advance Christ's will, vision, mission, and kingdom (not ours) to the ends of the earth… earth… earth…
Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Senior Pastor
Comments