Church Segmentation part 2

I was discussing this topic with a friend of mine at church last night. The thing is, the scriptures do seem to segment believers in terms of need at some points. Widows and orphans are given a unique need arena. Older women are instructed to teach the younger women. Older men are instructed to pray continually. Children are instructed to listen to their parents.

But on the other hand the business of growing in discipleship seems to be happening while the saints are united together. I am concerned that we as a 21st century body often do too much work to segment and group ourselves according to our own felt needs. This becomes problematic. Why? Because although we are trying to meet unique needs...

1. Over time, people begin to think the church ought be aimed and focused on them. In other words, people begin to make decisions about spiritual matters according to fleshly interests. "This church doesn't have a strong singles ministry...", "I need to go to a church with better worship...", "Marriages are struggling, so we need to do something in Married ministry...", "we need a business development ministry for those who want to build their businesses..." "we need a youth ministry that uses contemporary music..." and the talk goes on and on.

2. We start to forget that the goal of each "segment" is to be like Christ. There is one goal. We are a body with many "members". Segmentation is a marketing term. "Members" is a biblical term. When I think of you as a "member" of a body, there is a sense of togetherness; being a part of a whole. Most importantly, as "members" we are all submitted and under the head who is Christ. We are all moving in one direction, Chirst likeness. As different members, "Christ-likeness", may take on different ministries. It is worked out in different ways. I am a teacher, you may be an exhorter, another is gifted in giving -- but we have one aim that is Christ.

Watch your church. Be sure it stays focused on the Head which is Christ, not Marketing Segments.