I met with one of our church members this morning at Village Coffee. As we sat down, he looked at me and said, “Something was different about Sunday.”

Now, I’ll be honest, I braced myself expecting him to say that it didn’t feel right… that something was off about the new space… that it lacked the familiarity of the Village Hall. After all, a new space brings new challenges. But instead, he said, “There was something different about Sunday. In the best way.”

That moment captured so much of what I’ve been sensing myself. Sunday was different not because of the space or the setup. But because God is present with His people. Not through big production or entertainment. But through the ordinary means He’s always used: His Word, prayer, song, fellowship, and the gathered body of Christ.

And here’s the good news: that’s exactly the kind of church we want to be. We’re not chasing the next big thing. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. We’re not building a brand, we’re building a body. Ordinary people. Worshiping an extraordinary God. Committed to His ordinary means.

That’s why I want to say thank you again. Last week, you showed up. You cleaned, carried, vacuumed, prepped, prayed and made Sunday possible. There was a hopeful spirit in the air, and I believe it’s because we were walking in step with the Spirit. God builds His church not through gimmicks, but through the ordinary means of grace and the ordinary faithfulness of His people.

And now, as we settle into 70 N Walnut, let’s remember this: God builds His church through the faithfulness of His people. You are a vital, responsible, Spirit-indwelt member of Christ’s body.

Historically, Baptist churches have emphasized congregational responsibility. Not passive attendance. Not detached viewing. But active, engaged, Spirit-empowered participation in the life of the church. Today, I want to remind you of four basic responsibilities that come with church membership:

1. Attend Church Regularly
You, as a baptized believer, are responsible to gather faithfully with the church. Hebrews 10:24–25 says:

“And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

Gathering isn’t optional. It’s essential. You can’t love, encourage, build up, or disciple if you’re not present. Sunday attendance is not the finish line, it’s the starting line for the rest of your week as a church member.

2. Affirm Gospel Citizens
According to 1 Corinthians 5 and 2 Corinthians 2, the church, not just elders, are responsible for affirming and removing members. This is gospel oversight, and it belongs to you!

That means the members are responsible to guard the who and the what of the gospel. This requires knowing people not just names, but lives. You can't affirm someone’s walk with Christ if you never walk with them. So open your life. Invite someone new to lunch. Ask intentional questions. Join a discipleship group. Come to Summer Nights with Grace. The health of our church depends on our collective commitment to know and be known!

3. Disciple Other Members
Ephesians 4:16 says the body builds itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part. That includes your part. God has designed you to build up others through ordinary ministry especially the ministry of your words (Ephesians 4:25–29).

So speak truth. Offer encouragement. Open your Bible with someone. Meet up to pray. Use your words to build up and not tear down. You don’t need a title to disciple. Just a willing heart and a love for others.

4. Share the Gospel with Outsiders
We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5), entrusted with the message of reconciliation. Every Christian is called to go and make disciples. That includes you!

So speak of Jesus. Share your story. Invite someone to church. Have spiritual conversations. Be bold, not because you're impressive, but because the gospel is powerful and God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

So yes, thank you for cleaning floors, carpets, bathrooms and setting out chairs this past week. But remember, brothers and sisters, our real job isn’t over. Church members are not spectators they're stewards of the gospel!

The power of the church is not found in buildings or branding but in the gospel of Jesus Christ, proclaimed and lived out by a faithful people.

Ordinary people. Extraordinary God. Ordinary means. Eternal impact.