You didn’t know that the apostle Paul addressed the issue of sports team dynamics, did you? Maybe he was writing here to the Corinthian church softball team (perhaps, the Corinthian Clippers? That would only be appropriate if circumcision was an issue in the church . . .). Actually, the above quote concerning the body of Christ is intact, except that I have substituted “member” for “part” and “team” for “body” (with a few other small changes). This illustrates the analogy the other way - from team dynamics to church body life.

The 2008 Philadelphia Phillies provide a good example. The team does have some outstanding members, including the last two league MVPs in Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins. But their post-season run to the championship this year was truly a team effort. Clutch hits, outstanding defensive plays and great pitching came from many (some, unexpected) members. Everybody seemed to contribute in some way: Brett Myers with excellent starts on the mound, and one dominating offensive game (3 for 4, I think); Chase Utley’s game saving defensive plays; Matt Stairs’ pinch hit game winning home run in the NLCS; Pat Burrell’s clutch hitting in the NLCS and sole hit in the Series that led to the winning run in the final game; Howard’s two monster home runs in game 3 of the series; Joe Blanton’s dominating Series pitching outing with his first career home run for added effect; Shane Victorino’s consistent proficiency at the plate; Geoff Jenkins getting key hits in each of his 2 Series at bats; catcher Carlos Ruiz, known for his defense, having an excellent offensive Series; and of course the dominating pitching of Cole Hamels and closer Brad Lidge. And, there was the sentimental favorite in Jamie Moyer, the oldest player in baseball finally getting a championship ring in his home town. The whole team should have received the MVP trophy.

So, what can we learn in relation to HBF? While we do have outstanding individuals, we are as a team, interdependent - each playing a different position (with backups) to the best of his or her ability, for the benefit of all. As Paul puts it in Ephesians 4: “In all things we will grow up into him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” There is no annual championship, but the results are eternal.