The Church We Were Meant To Be

Written by Elizabeth Johnson

Traveling to Togo changed me forever. It not only expanded my world view, but the way I see the global Church. What seemed so far away felt closer than I expected in so many ways. Some things are different culturally, yes, but there is still a sameness in our humanity.

The joy, the pain, the dreaming, the fears, the insecurities, the desire to be seen and known by our peers, by God. Those are universal.

As we worshiped under the beautiful night sky alongside our brothers and sisters in Togo who sang in their native language, there was a sweet, holy understanding that surpassed any need to know the words being spoken. It reminds me that the Kingdom of God is not divided by geography. We are far more connected than we often realize.
What I experienced in Togo wasn’t new, it’s the same Spirit birthed unity we see at the very beginning of the Church in Acts. A connection built on the presence of God among His people.

After Jesus's resurrection and ascension into heaven, we see Holy Spirit come as promised, not to just one person, but to a people. Fear gave way to boldness, waiting turned to witness, and what had been a small group of followers became a Spirit-filled movement. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is now alive in His people and we see something beautiful take shape.

In Acts 2, we’re given a clear picture of what that looked like.

Acts 2:41-47 (CSB) So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

This wasn’t just something they stepped into once a week, it was a way of life.
This is what Kingdom partnership looked like from the very beginning. As Holy Spirit fills many, what begins personally is drawn into a collective experience.

The early Church didn’t just attend, they belonged.

They didn’t just receive, they shared.

They didn’t just believe, they participated.

This is the Church we were meant to be.

We see this in Togo, where apprentices are being mentored and trained by our seamstress team, where the staff encourages one another and grows in faith together, and where education, access to healthcare, and dignified work becomes a picture of God’s care. We see it here in America too, as individuals, families, and church communities gather to fellowship, pray, give, and choose to be part of something beyond themselves.

Together, we are living out the beauty of the global Church.
We are part of one body, connected by the same Spirit, and working toward the same mission. We aren’t meant to do life alone, we are able to accomplish so much more together.

Whether it’s with your small group, a circle of friends, or your family, what would it look like to step into this as a community? To pray together, give together, and support the work God is doing through Francis + Benedict as a shared commitment?

To be part of a story that God is writing across the world, where needs are met, lives are
changed, and where the Gospel is both shared and seen. The Church was always meant to be something we live, not just a place we simply attend.

Friends, we have the opportunity to step into that together. Will you join us?