We Are The Church: Embracing our Calling and Community

The church is more than a building, more than a service, and more than a weekly gathering—it is a living, breathing body of believers, called by Christ to carry His mission forward. In his recent message at Calvary Orlando, Pastor Kevin Kringel challenged us to rethink how we see the church, urging us to move beyond attendance and into active participation.
If we want to experience the full power of the church, we must align with God's design. Let’s explore what it truly means to be the church and why our connection to the local body is so vital.

Jesus Builds His Church—Not Us
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The church belongs to Him. He is the head; we are the body (Colossians 1:18).
Yet, how often do we view church as something we attend rather than something we are? Pastor Kevin emphasized that church is not just a production we observe or a weekly obligation we check off. Instead, it is a spiritual community designed to equip us, shape us, and send us out to impact the world.
The enemy works hard to distort the church’s purpose. He wants people to believe that church is optional, outdated, or unnecessary. But Jesus tells us otherwise. He loves His church. He builds it. And He has positioned you in it for a reason.

The Role of the Local Church
While all believers across the world are part of the global body of Christ, God also designed the local church as an essential part of spiritual growth. The early church modeled this in Acts 2:41-47—they gathered regularly, devoted themselves to teaching, broke bread together, and supported one another.

Yet, many today resist the idea of committing to a local church. Why?
Some see it as restrictive. Others feel burned by past experiences. Some don’t want the responsibility or expectation that comes with true fellowship. However, as Pastor Kevin pointed out, avoiding church because of past hurt is like abandoning marriage because others have failed at it. The design is still God's, and His plan hasn’t changed.
Church isn’t just a place we go—it’s a family we belong to. It’s where we grow, serve, and experience the presence of God in ways we never could on our own.

The Church is People, Not a Building
Jesus didn’t die for a building—He died for people.
While church buildings serve as tools for ministry, they do not define the church. We are the church. You are the church.

1. Buildings don’t heal families—people bring truth and love that restore families.
2. Buildings don’t serve communities—people step out in faith and meet needs.
3. Buildings don’t preach the Gospel—people share the good news of Jesus.

If this generation is going to experience a passionate, generous, truth-filled church, it will only happen if we, the people, choose to be that kind of church.

What Kind of Church Are We Called to Be?
Pastor Kevin challenged us with these declarations:
✅ A Committed Church – not casual, but devoted to gathering and growing.
✅ A Faithful Church – consistent in showing up, serving, and giving.
✅ A Loving Church – willing to invest in relationships and care for one another.
✅ A Generous Church – giving our time, talents, and resources for God’s mission.
✅ A Holy Church – living in a way that reflects Christ in our everyday lives.
We don’t simply attend a great church; we become one by our actions and commitment. If we want a powerful church, we must first be powerful believers.

Church Isn’t an Obligation—It’s a Reset
Many people see church as a duty or burden—something to check off their list to feel good about their faith. But what if we viewed it as a weekly reset?
Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, “Do not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another.”

In the same way our bodies need rest, our spirits need renewal. Gathering in the presence of God, worshiping together, and receiving biblical teaching replenishes our souls in a way nothing else can.
Just like Daniel chose to set himself apart by his diet in Babylon (Daniel 1), choosing to prioritize church helps us stay spiritually strong in a world full of distractions. It’s not a burden—it’s a lifeline.

Fellowship is More Than Small Talk
The early church devoted themselves to fellowship, meals, and prayer (Acts 2:42). They weren’t just acquaintances who exchanged pleasantries once a week—they shared life together.
The Greek word “koinonia” means fellowship, community, sharing, and intimacy. True fellowship goes beyond a quick “hello” on Sunday—it involves commitment, generosity, and deep relationships.

1. It means opening up and sharing what’s really going on inside.
2. It means making time to invest in others.
3. It means mixing in—getting involved, using your gifts, and serving in ministry.

God is Building Something Bigger Than Us
Pastor Kevin closed with a powerful illustration: a brownie recipe. Imagine having all the right ingredients, but never mixing them together. Alone, each ingredient is just sitting there—separate and incomplete. But when combined, mixed, and placed in the fire, something incredible forms.
This is what God is doing in His church. We are the ingredients.

1. Our unique gifts mix together to form something greater than ourselves.
2. The fire (challenges) refines us and makes us stronger.
3. Time and consistency bring out the fullness of what God intends.

We weren’t saved to sit on the sidelines—we were saved to be a vital part of the body of Christ.

Time to Get Involved
The vision Pastor Kevin cast is clear: We must move from spectators to participants.
Ask yourself:
✅ Am I truly planted in a local church?
✅ Am I contributing my gifts, time, and resources to build up others?
✅ Am I inviting others into relationship and community?
Church is not a spectator event—it’s a team effort. And we need you to help shape it.
So, where will you start? A small group? A ministry team? A deeper commitment to Sunday services? Forward together, let’s be the church God designed us to be.

Pastor Kevin's Sermon Notes
DOWNLOAD HERE