The Body of Christ as a caring community

Friday 23rd June 2023

The Body of Christ, the Holy Spirit embodied, plays a crucial role in expressing pastoral care. Pastoral care is the ministry of providing support, guidance, and spiritual growth to individuals and communities. While pastors bear a significant responsibility in pastoral care, the collective efforts of the Body of Christ contribute to a holistic expression of care within the church.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35 NIV

Firstly, the Body of Christ expresses pastoral care through facilitating gatherings where fellowship and community can flourish. In a loving faith community, members genuinely care for one another, offering emotional support, empathy, and a listening ear. The value of giving and receiving love increases dramatically through

life groups (groups where gathering is part of their lifestyle),
grow groups (groups where people grow together in their spiritual journey) and
interest groups (groups where people share a common interest like a phase of life, hobby, or other types of interests).
ministry teams (groups where people minister together)
special gatherings (supplementary events around specific focuses)

Each individual can partake by building meaningful relationships, and so create an environment where pastoral care can flourish. This culture of belonging and connectedness within the Body of Christ fosters an atmosphere of care and compassion. Therefore, the higher you prioritise attendance and engagement at gatherings, the more care and compassion you would likely experience.

Secondly, the Body of Christ demonstrates pastoral care through acts of service. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, encourages believers to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). The faith community actively engages in acts of service such as providing meals for those in need, offering practical assistance during times of illness or crisis, and supporting the vulnerable and marginalized within society. These acts of service exemplify the love and care of Christ and are vital expressions of pastoral care within the Body of Christ. The deeper your connection in group life within the faith community, the more access you would have to support.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching

Heb 10:24-25 NIV

Moreover, the Body of Christ expresses pastoral care by bringing hope through spiritual growth and guidance. The ability to instill hope in the hearts of people is a unique attribute of the Body of Christ in a world where negativity and cynicism so easily take over conversations. Within the church community, individuals with diverse spiritual gifts and experiences come together to edify and build up one another. The reminder of the life of Christ, the love towards one another, the acts of service rendered, and the redefining of community goes a long way in creating a healthy societal culture. The Body of Christ becomes a source of spiritual nourishment, equipping individuals to grow in their faith and navigate life's challenges.

As BCOC grows larger and larger, we should also grow smaller and smaller

What does it mean? The best way not to disappear in a growing congregation is to engage in one of our smaller groups where you can truly know people and truly be known as well! Have you connected to a small group? If so…lean in and love! If not…close the pastoral care gap in your life by joining a life group!

Fuse Youth | Friday 23rd June

Tonight is our LAST NIGHT of Term 2 and it’s time to travel back to the 80’s! Come dressed in an 80’s inspired costume/outfit and get ready for a night of fun and fellowship as we celebrate an incredible term! 7-9.30pm, $5.

>>>FUSE YOUTH<<<

Sunday Service | The Body Of Christ 3

The body of Christ is “the Christ…embodied”. What does Christ mean? What does body mean in this context? It is way more than a humanitarian organisation or a religious institution. It gives Christ a body in which He can move and act as He establishes a Kingdom on earth that is known for the righteousness, peace and joy it carries. In this three week series, we’ll discover what the movement called the body of Christ is.

Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe? We look forward to seeing you!

>>>WATCH ONLINE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 25th June

This week Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | An angel helps Peter escape | Acts 12:1-19
5 to 12-year-olds | The great escape | Acts 12:1-19

Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 25th June

The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet to pray together. The group meets at the church every Sunday evening. Where individuals spend time in prayer, worship, and fellowship together as men who walk together to seek the face of God. Starts 5.45pm.

Boys Brigade | Monday 26th June

Be part of the action Monday night. For over 20 years the Boys Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys.

ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.30pm

>>>BOYS BRIGADE<<<

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 28th June

Captain Anne Hill will share with us her experiences as a Chaplain serving at Employment Plus. A freewill offering will be taken. The Friendship Group meet in the Connect Lounge at 1.30pm to 4.00pm Please bring a plate for everyone to share.

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<

Forge Young Adults Social | Sunday 9th July

YOUNG AD’S! Make sure you don’t miss out on our TRIVIA NIGHT on the 9th July!!! Bring your A-game and all your mates, and get ready for a great night of fun and fellowship. There will be prizes up for grabs! Make sure you bring $5 for entry! Bring your friends and we will see you there. Time: Sunday July 9, 5:30pm at the Church.

>>>FORGE YOUNG ADULTS<<<

Encounter Prayer Training | Monday 10th July

Have you wished you knew the keys to helping people experience deeper healing and freedom? To know how to practically identify past hurts, the enemies lies, wrong choices, and spiritual strongholds. To then know how to apply the appropriate steps to deal with each issue and be able to exercise your authority in Christ to bring healing and deliverance. Training starts Monday 10th July.