What does it truly mean to be a member of the Church?

In “Member,” Part 2 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church: Romans Series, we explore Romans 12:3–8 and discover that biblical church membership is far deeper than attending a service, carrying a membership card, or belonging to an organization.

Paul describes believers as members of one body, with Christ as the head. In this picture, the word “member” does not simply mean someone who has joined a group. It means a vital part of the body—connected to Christ and dependent upon the other members around it.

Pastor Dan challenges us to shift our understanding of church from something we attend on Sunday mornings to something we truly belong to. The Church is not a subscription we cancel when it becomes inconvenient or when another option seems more appealing. When we belong to Christ, we also belong to His body.

This message examines what it means to:

• See Christ as the head of the Church.
• Recognize that every believer has a purpose and spiritual gift.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
• Refuse to suffer in silence or allow others to suffer alone.
• Pursue spiritual growth through Christian community.
• Become part of the solution instead of merely identifying problems.
• Build a church where people from different backgrounds are united through Jesus Christ.

The body of Christ was created for growth, healing, service, unity, and purpose. Every person has a place, and every spiritual gift matters. Some are called to teach, lead, serve, encourage, give generously, show mercy, or bring healing to those who are hurting. The Church becomes healthier when every member responds to the role God has given them.

Romans 12 also reminds us not to think of ourselves more highly than we should. Our value does not come from our job title, income, social status, or accomplishments. Our true identity and significance come from Christ and from the calling He has placed upon our lives.

As you listen, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask God to speak directly to your heart and reveal how you have viewed the Church. Have you treated church as an activity you attend, or as a body to which you belong? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you your place, your spiritual gifts, and the people He may be calling you to encourage, serve, or help heal.

Today’s takeaway: Take one intentional step toward deeper connection within the body of Christ. Reach out to someone who may be hurting, introduce yourself to someone you do not normally speak with, join a small group, volunteer to serve, or ask God to show you how your gifts can strengthen His Church.

You are not called to simply attend the Church. You are called to be a living, active, connected member of the body of Christ.

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What if the moment God spoke to you was never meant to remain only a memory?

In today’s powerful message, “There’s More Than a Moment—There’s a Movement in You,” guest speaker and AGWM missionary David Turner challenges us to recognize that a single encounter with God can become the beginning of a life-changing movement. God gives us defining moments, but moving forward requires obedience, faith, trust, sacrifice, perseverance, and the willingness to release the past.

Drawing from Exodus 3:1–4, David examines Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. God spoke only after Moses intentionally turned aside to look. In the same way, we must make room in our lives to recognize what the Holy Spirit is saying. Even after years in the wilderness, God’s calling on Moses had not expired.

Through the examples of Moses, Joshua, Hannah, Samuel, the feeding of the multitude, and powerful testimonies from Guatemala, we are reminded that God often births movements through ordinary people who surrender what they have to Him. A moment with God can restore a forgotten calling, break the power of addiction, heal emotional wounds, open previously closed communities to the gospel, and bring hope, healing, and freedom through Jesus Christ.

David and Marie Turner also share how God is working through their ministry in Guatemala, including pastoral biblical counseling, addiction recovery, Teen Challenge ministries, Living Free small groups, leadership development, and Casa Tavita—Tabitha’s House, a place of restoration for women overcoming addiction, abuse, and trauma.

Perhaps God spoke something into your heart years ago, but life happened. Pain, disappointment, church hurt, loss, fear, or delay may have pushed that calling to the background. This message reminds us that what God placed within you is not forgotten. Your wilderness season may not be the end of the story—it may be where God prepares you for what comes next.

What does it truly mean to be a Christian?

In “What It Means to Be Christian,” Part 1 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s new sermon series, State of the Church: A Romans Series, we return to the foundation of the Christian faith and examine whether our understanding of Christianity has been shaped by God’s Word or simply by what we have always known.

Drawing from Romans 12:1–2 and Colossians 3:1–4, Pastor Dan explains that following Jesus is more than praying a prayer, attending church, or receiving a ticket to heaven. Christianity is a life fully surrendered to God—a living sacrifice placed into His hands.

Romans 12 calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, refuse conformity to the patterns of this world, experience transformation through the renewing of the mind, and grow in their ability to discern the will of God. Colossians 3 reminds us that our old lives have died and that our new lives are now hidden with Christ in God.

This message challenges every believer to consider:

Are you being formed by the world or shaped by the Word?

Is Jesus simply part of your life, or has He truly become your life?

Have you surrendered everything to Christ, or are you still trying to take certain areas of your life back off the altar?

The Christian life is not a one-time emotional experience. It is a daily process of looking to Jesus, renewing our minds, releasing our old identity, and becoming more like Christ. God’s conviction is not condemnation. He loves us enough to reveal the areas where He desires to bring greater freedom, maturity, and transformation.

As you listen, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask God to speak directly to your heart through today’s message and reveal anything that may not align with His Word. Invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind, reshape your priorities, and continue His transforming work within you.

Today’s takeaway: Identify one area of your life that you have been holding back from God. Place it before Him in prayer and sincerely say, “Jesus, this belongs to You. Shape me through Your Word and make me more like You.”

#StateOfTheChurch #WhatItMeansToBeChristian #Romans12 #LivingSacrifice #RenewYourMind #ChristianLiving #SpiritualTransformation #FollowJesus #SurrenderToGod #BibleTeaching #ChristianPodcast #RavennaAssemblyOfGod