Church is What You Make It
Pinnacle Youth serving during our Tech with Teens event.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
written by Rev. Leah Quarles
Over the past two weeks, our youth have been thoughtfully focused on the theme of community. We first began by identifying the different ‘circles’ to which we belong. Beginning with the closest circle of family and friends, expanding to classmates, team members, and church family, then evermore to acquaintances—those we see regularly but may not know (the lunch lady, for example), and then finally the worldwide community. In identifying these community circles, we are reminded that each person is sacred, created in the image of God.
Last night, we took this conversation a step deeper when discussing our gifts. What are you good at? Of course, we had the silly answers: Walking. Breathing. But we also had thoughtful answers: I’m a good listener. So many people want to talk, but not everyone wants to just listen, and I think more often than not, that’s what people really need. What made me a little sad were our students who simply could not answer. Was it humility keeping them quiet? Or do they really not see how amazing they are? I can see your gifts so clearly here!
This isn’t just a ‘make me feel good’ conversation–this is a crucial part of our identity in the Church. God has made us in God’s image. God gifts us unique passions, experiences, skills, gifts, and ways of doing things. This is not a coincidence—this is by design.
You may have heard the churchy term before: The Body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Paul reminds us that the church is not a building or a weekly event—it is a body. Christ is the head, and each of us is a vital part that makes up the body of Christ. An eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you.” Every member matters. Every gift counts.
During our new members' classes, we get to explain how, in our PC(USA) tradition, we affirm that all believers are called into ministry through baptism. Ministry is not reserved for pastors alone; it belongs to the whole people of God. The Spirit equips each of us uniquely—for teaching, serving, organizing, praying, encouraging, giving, leading, creating, and so much more. When we hold back our gifts, the body feels it. When we offer them, the whole church grows stronger. This is the beauty of God’s design.
Church is what we make it because we are the church. If we long for deeper fellowship, meaningful worship, vibrant mission, or stronger outreach—then we are invited to step in and help shape it.
God has already provided what our congregation needs—through you.
So ask yourself: What gift has God placed in me? Where is the Spirit nudging me to serve? What is a need in the church, and how can I fill it? When we bring our whole selves to this, the body of Christ flourishes, and together we reflect Christ more fully to the world.