They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47 (NASB)
For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one part, but many. – 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NASB)
The picture of the early Church in Acts 2 is both beautiful and convicting. We’re told they were devoted “to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Their lives were deeply intertwined. They shared possessions, met daily, and experienced awe together as God moved among them. This was not a casual meeting of like-minded individuals. It was a transformed community that was marked by sacrificial love, mutual support, and a shared pursuit of God.
In contrast, many of us today can slip into a mindset of convenience when it comes to church. We may attend when it fits our schedule, serve when it suits our interests, and engage when we feel a personal need. The early Church calls us to something more, though… a deeper intentional devotion to God and to one another. The Church is not simply an event. It’s a spiritual family.
Paul expands on this in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, describing the Church as a body with many parts. Each member is distinct and essential. Just as a physical body needs all its parts working together in unity, so does the Church. In God’s design, diversity isn’t a threat to unity. Diversity makes unity possible. Every person brings something unique, and every gift is needed. Pastor Dan talked about this a little bit in his sermon this week.
Other benefits of diversity are that it pushes back against both individualism, which isolates us, and uniformity, which pressures us all to be the same. Paul is offering a better way… a community where we are independent and not identical. Our differences are not liabilities. Our differences are God-given strengths that when brought together reveal the fullness of Christ’s body.
At New Hope Fellowship, we are striving to live out this vision. Our church is blessed with a variety of ministries that reflect the diversity and unity of the body of Christ.
- Our Men’s Ministry gathers on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM, offering a space for men to grow in faith, accountability, and brotherhood.
- Our Women’s Ministry meets on Tuesday nights at 6:30 PM where women come together to study God’s Word, pray, and encourage one another.
- Our Young Adult Ministry (Junior in high school to age 25) meets off site on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM creating a community for those navigating life transitions and deepening their walk with God.
- Our Youth Ministry serves middle and high school students on Sunday nights at 6:00 PM helping them discover identity and purpose in Christ.
- Our Family Ministry is a place for families to gather for fellowship, service, and fun activities for the entire family, young and old.
**For information on any of these ministries or other ways to connect or serve at New Hope, please contact one of our pastors via email through our website.
These are just a few examples from children’s ministry to outreach from small groups to worship teams God is working through the many parts of our church body.
As we reflect on the early church and Paul’s teaching, let’s be reminded that church is not just something we attend. Church is something we are. We belong to one another. We are called to be devoted, to use our gifts, and to celebrate the differences that make us stronger together.
May we, as New Hope Fellowship, continue to be a church marked by devotion, unity, and diversity – a living reflection of Christ’s body in our community.