MCC - Body Life

"In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." - Rom.12:5

The town church leadership began two new ministries in 2005 which are meant to increase fellowship among the members and help the church grow into a more authentic Christian community. It was felt that while significant growth and unity was being experienced by those more committed members who normally attend the weekly Bible studies, it would be good to offer some less frequent but more generally appealing opportunities for church members and visitors to get a "taste" of what "Body Life" can be at MCC. These are merely the first steps in what we pray is a continual journey for the Mbarara Church of Christ...

"Fellowship Sundays"

Normally, on the last Sunday of each month, MCC hosts a "fellowship lunch" whereby everyone is invited to stay after worship services for a lunch which is catered by church members. On many of these days, the town church leadership works to incorporate a brief time of small group discussion-oriented Bible study or prayer time. Church members are especially encouraged to bring their friends and neighbors on these Sundays, making it a great "first step" in evangelism for many. Also, the leaders and other more mature church members have been growing in their effectiveness to use these days as prime opportunities to get to know some of the less involved members and "bring them in" from the "fringe." It has been wonderful to stand in our small meeting room that comfortably seats 70, surrounded by 120 or more noisy Christians as they eat, talk, and pray together in sweet fellowship!

"An Evening of Praise and Prayer"

A few months after beginning the Fellowship Sundays, others among our committed members identified a need for a time of fellowship that would be even more centered around worship and prayer. Therefore, we have started planning periodic "Praise and Prayer" evenings which take place after the regular Bible study time on Sunday evenings. This has also turned out to be a great time of community-building as we worship together and have an extended time of prayer and sharing. While the Fellowship Sundays involve the whole church, these Praise and Prayer Nights have tended to attract about half of the members and some of their friends. And since it takes place right after the Bible study, it has helped to increase the Sunday group's regular attendance as well. Those nights are now truly great times of group discussion, Bible study, worship and prayer. What a wonderful way to build up our bonds within the Body of Christ!

Please pray that MCC members will not be content to merely settle for a "religion" -- but that through these and other ministries, they will develop a taste for true community and fellowship in the bonds of the Spirit.