What do you Think of When you Hear the Word Church?
Jack Terry, Artist
What do you think of when you hear the word, ‘Church’? I grew up thinking of the church as a building. Maybe that’s true for you too; you think of a place, a building, a structure of some kind. In today’s culture some may picture a storefront, a tent, or even someone’s home.
But the Biblical understanding of a ‘church’ is more than just that of a building or a place of worship. It is the “Body of Christ”— “And He (Christ) gave some as apostles and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (the Church) Ephesians 4:11-12.
Every person, living or dead or yet to be born who becomes a true believer by placing his/her faith in the living God as Savior and Lord, is made a member of the Body of Christ. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all”— Ephesians 4:4-5.
So, when you think about the church, think more than just about a building; think of a Body—The Body of Christ made up of individuals of all ages, from all backgrounds, from all language groups, from all nationalities and nations, from all walks of life, yet all with one thing in common, each with a believing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior of his/her life.
Paul compares the Body of Christ to our human body. Even as the human body has different parts with different functions, so also does the Body of Christ— I Corinthians 12:12. Read also I Corinthians 12:14-26.
Pastor Mel Hooten has 45 years’ experience in Christian ministry. Since retiring from serving as a traditional church pastor in 2008, God has led him back to his roots to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world of ranchers, rodeo riders, cowboys and cowgirls who often do not feel comfortable in traditional church. Folks who love western heritage, county music, working with livestock, or cowboys at heart who prefer a simple down-to-earth approach to life; these are those to whom Mel seeks out.
Pastor Mel has served as a church planter for the Western Heritage division of Texas Baptists to start the Cowboy Church of Tarrant County near Fort Worth, Texas. Currently Mel wants to continue to bring good news to those who seek the truth and make available his Bible messages, devotionals, and lessons for those who preach and teach.
Mel brings a simple gospel message with a western flair. In addition, God uses him to teach practical ways to ride the range with Jesus every day. The trails of life will bring us to rivers that must be crossed and steep hills we can’t climb alone. With Jesus, we can weather the storms and ride through the valleys. He will give guidance and provisions when we get bucked off. Indeed, there is a trail that leads home. Mel’s mission is to help every person he encounters to find it.
Mel and his wife, Karen, currently live in Aubrey, Texas. They like to travel in their RV and enjoy the great outdoors with their grandchildren. They are available for ministry wherever God leads them.
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