This messages concludes a series where we have covered:

• Worship
• Grace
• Salvation
• Stewardship
• Evangelism
• Prayer and
• Sacraments

Just like the human body, the Body of Christ is made up of many parts, which are held together by ligaments and covered in clothing.

• The Body has many parts [Spiritual Gifts]
• joined by ligaments [of love]
• clothed [with the Fruit of the Spirit]

ONE BODY MANY PARTS

1 Corinthians 12:¹² For example, the body is one unit and yet has many parts. As all the parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

Romans 12:⁴ Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don’t all do the same thing. ⁵ In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other. ⁶ God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts.

Spiritual Gifts: All have some, none have all (1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Romans 12:1-8; Ephesians 4:1-16)

LIGAMENTS OF LOVE

Ephesians 4:¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

CLOTHE YOURSELVES

Colossians 3:¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Galatians 5:²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control.

Fruits of the Spirit: All have them all (Galatians 5:16-25; Colossians 3:12-14)

The PURPOSE of our Strategic Planning Goals is to build up the Body of Christ

Because the Body of Christ is incomplete. Therefore we employ a strategy to “build up the Body of Christ”

• A welcoming relevant atmosphere – Worship (Cont. & Trad.)
• Rebranding – connect ministry with mission
• Administration (staffing and committee structure)  – digital media coordinator
• Discipleship (small groups) – The Story / Give Me 5
• Children & Families- new initiatives, youth director
• Evangelism – Invite Your One / Livestream  / QR Codes and new forms of Communication
• Prayer – monthly meeting & chapel space

SPIRITUAL GIFTS many parts joined together by LOVE and clothed with the  FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT  !!!!!

[Sermon outline/notes originally preached by Rev. Kent F. Jackson at The UMC Hyde Park on Nov. 9, 2025]