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I’m Tom Nicholas — a pastor, teacher, and community builder living in Billings, Montana. My life and ministry flow from one heartbeat: to see the Church alive — Spirit-filled, rooted in Scripture, and moving with Jesus into the world. I serve as a pastor, chaplain, and mentor, helping people grow in faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship. Whether around a campfire, in a coffee shop, or through digital spaces, I believe the gospel belongs where life happens — in the field, among the people, and around the table. Through The Church Alive, I write about biblical leadership, spiritual formation, and building vibrant, missional communities that reflect the love and courage of Christ.

🌾 5. The Body Builds Itself Up in Love

Prelude Story: When the Fence Went Up

On the edge of town, two neighbors built side by side for years. One raised cattle; the other grew vegetables. They often traded—a sack of potatoes for a gallon of milk, a laugh over the fence.

Then, one spring, the rancher put up a tall new fence. Not for conflict—just for efficiency. But something subtle changed. The laughter stopped. The work didn’t stop, but the joy did.

One day, the rancher realized that while he had protected his field, he had also blocked his friend’s voice. They tore down a few panels and built a gate. The sound of shared work came back.

That’s what the church is meant to be: a community with gates, not walls—a place where gifts pass freely for the building up of all.

The Interdependence of Gifts

Paul writes, “The body does not consist of one member but of many… The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’” (1 Corinthians 12:14, 21).
Every gift matters. No believer is the whole church, and no church is healthy without each believer.

The moment one person withholds their gift, the body loses part of its strength. But when each member brings what they have—whether teaching or mercy, leadership or service—the Spirit composes a harmony no single part could achieve.

Maturity in Christ isn’t independence—it’s interdependence.

The Spirit’s Mathematics

In the world, addition happens when we combine efforts. In the Spirit, multiplication happens when we cooperate.
Two people praying together don’t add power—they multiply it.
A church serving together doesn’t add hours—it multiplies reach.

Paul describes this mystery in Ephesians 4:16:

“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.”

That’s the divine equation: every part + love + obedience = growth.

A Practice for Today

  1. Name someone else’s gift. Text or tell them: “I see this in you.”
  2. Pray for partnership. Ask God who He’s calling you to link arms with in ministry.
  3. Offer your gift to someone else’s vision. Don’t wait to lead—start by strengthening what’s already happening.

When the church learns to share gifts, love becomes visible—and the world begins to believe again.

Blessings in Jesus’ Name,
Tom Nicholas, Pastor
We are a Holy Spirit-Filled Church Family whose members engage deeply, serve faithfully, and reach their community for Christ.

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