A Thriving Church
READINGS:
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
What does it mean to thrive?
The TV drama “Call the Midwife”, set in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s and 60s, offers us poignant examples of what it takes for babies to thrive. It highlights the interplay of medical care, social support, and maternal empowerment, showing how the well-being of infants was nurtured amidst the challenges of post-war London. Many episodes emphasise that thriving is not just about physical survival but also about emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
To thrive means to flourish, grow, or prosper despite challenges. It goes beyond mere survival, encompassing personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. Thriving often involves resilience, building meaningful relationships, and finding joy, purpose, and satisfaction in life. It implies development—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—and often turns difficulties into opportunities for transformation and success.
In today’s reading from 1 Corinthians, it seems that the church in Corinth was struggling to thrive, much like many of our churches today. At the time, the Corinthian church was a diverse and dynamic community, yet it was troubled by divisions, immorality, and confusion about Christian teachings, particularly around the use of gifts to help the community flourish.
Corinth was a cosmopolitan city, a hub of trade and a melting pot of cultures. It was a place where public displays of power and eloquent speeches were highly valued. Unsurprisingly, the Christian church there mirrored many of the issues and values of the surrounding society. Through his letters, Paul challenged this cultural mindset, urging the Corinthians to focus on unity and selfless service so that their community could truly thrive.
Like churches today, the Corinthians faced divisions, and some likely viewed certain gifts as more prestigious or important than others. It isn’t difficult to imagine the kinds of conversations that might have arisen. Paul wrote to correct their thinking, affirming that all gifts are valuable and essential for the Body of Christ, the Church in that place.
With great pastoral care, Paul addressed their confusion, seeking to nurture them. His goal was to instruct them in the proper use of their gifts, to avoid further division, and to foster a spirit of love, unity, and mutual support so that all might thrive.
Reflecting on Thriving Today
What about us? What issues or ways of being might we need to address in our locality to ensure that our church, community, and people thrive?
You might find it helpful to reflect on this by imagining a letter from St Paul to your church community. If you feel brave enough, write your own version, and use it during your prayer time. Ask God to reveal what might need changing or building upon, and what gifts are present but perhaps not yet valued or used in your community.
Could it be that your church needs to become more inclusive, embracing diversity and reaching out to the marginalised? Perhaps there’s a need to grow a stronger sense of community through healthy relationships. Maybe the call is for the Church to renew itself continually, engaging with the world courageously. Above all, is there a call to nurture spiritual depth, with an emphasis on contemplation and inner transformation as the foundation for thriving?
Paul emphasised that all gifts come from the same Spirit, given to strengthen the community. Our diversity of abilities and talents enriches the Church when rooted in God’s work. Rather than competing or comparing, we are encouraged to honour and collaborate with one another’s gifts.
The list of gifts Paul provided is not exhaustive, and the specific gifts your community needs might be different. Sometimes, our greatest gifts emerge during times of challenge, when we realise that we cannot do it all on our own and must depend on God. It is in these moments that gifts within us are often revealed and nurtured.
In “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel, the story of a boy stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger explores themes of survival, resilience, and spiritual growth. Pi’s journey illustrates how thriving can emerge from enduring extraordinary challenges. Can we relate to this? Have there been times when, as individuals or as a community, we have grown because of tragedy or difficulty? Times when gifts and talents were released in ways we never expected?
Each gift—whether faithfulness, wisdom, teaching, healing, compassion, or prophecy—is equally important. Let us not forget the gifts of serving, perseverance, and practical skills: the person who understands plumbing or building, who is gifted in hospitality or finance. These are all vital for our communities to thrive.
From Scarcity to Abundance
As we reflect on thriving, we must also confront something that often holds us back: the belief that we are failing, rooted in a mindset of scarcity. We think we don’t have enough—enough people, resources, or energy. Sometimes, this is because we mistakenly believe our church should look like another church community. A small rural church is not a failing version of a large church or cathedral!
Sam Wells and the HeartEdge movement, connected to St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, challenge the scarcity mindset. They encourage churches to shift their focus to abundance, recognising and celebrating the resources already present in their people, gifts, and relationships. Wells reminds us that God’s grace and provision are limitless. The church is called to share this abundance by building community, engaging with culture, and embracing creativity. HeartEdge urges churches to be outward-facing, rooted in hope, and to use their assets to serve and transform their communities.
The Gospel story of Jesus turning water into wine reflects this abundant love of God overflowing into the world. Jesus takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. Ordinary water becomes the finest wine. Ordinary you and me are transformed. Gifts are released, used, and valued. Thriving. That’s what Jesus demonstrated at the wedding in Cana. What joy!
