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A DIVERSE CHURCH (ROMANS 16:3-15)

REFLECTION

A Diverse Church is the theme for our reflection. A diverse church is a fellowship of believers from different social and ethnic backgrounds who continue to use their individual spiritual gifts and resources for the furtherance of the mission of God in the world. Paul identified the church in Rome as a diverse church because he identified different people and their unique contributions to his ministry and the growth of the Church.

Beloved in the church of Christ is a diverse church because we are saved, called and empowered by the Holy Spirit to use our spiritual gifts, talents and resources for the growth and development of the church. Diversity in the church means that we acknowledge one another contributions to the growth of the church as Paul did in his concluding remark or salutation. Paul commended the unique contribution of some people in Romans 16:3-15. For instance, He commended Prisca and Aquila for risking their lives for him and all the Churches of the Gentiles. He acknowledged the role of Mary and Persis as hard-working believers. Again Paul acknowledged Tryphaena and Tryphosa as workers in the Lord. Beloved in the Lord, what is your role or contribution to the church? What report will be given about you in your absence?

Dear friend in the Lord, regardless of your social status, gender, race, class, academic qualification or ethnic background, you are an important part of the body of Christ. The diverse church is incomplete with you because you are gifted and unique. This is why in some congregations, some persons are greatly missed when they do not come for church service. Their roles and contributions to worship service are significant. “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free —and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many…Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-14,17) In other words, the church of Christ is united in diversity. One church, one mission, one fellowship but diverse gifts and contributions.

In summary, we have learned that the church thrives on unity and diversity. Each and every member of the church or congregation has a unique contribution toward the growth and development of the church. We must learn to commend or acknowledge one another as an integral part of the body of Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, empower us to serve and avail ourselves towards the growth of the church through unity in diversity. Amen.