Read 1 Corinthians: 12: 14-27 (NLV) 

14 Yes, the body has many parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

Use these questions for discussion:

1. In what ways do you see yourself or others shrinking God to fit personal perspectives or problems? How can you expand your view to see God's work in the larger body of Christ?
2. How can you actively contribute to fostering connections and a sense of family at CenterPointe? What practical steps can you take to support and encourage others within the church especially in rebuilding connections and combating the loneliness that were created during COVID?
3. Where do you see opportunities for deeper connection within your church community? How are you working towards becoming less independent and more integrated with the body of Christ?
4. What lessons can the American church learn from the church in Africa, particularly in terms of joy, resourcefulness, and faith in the midst of life's crises? How can we incorporate these lessons into our own church culture?
5. What unique strengths and resources does the American church have to offer to the global Christian community? How can we use our innovation, financial blessings, and ability to travel to support and uplift other parts of the body of Christ?