Clickable Time Stamps
04:39 Family Sharing and Song Service – Robin Neill
25:32 Praise Reports – Elder Ivan Bird
33:44 Introit – “Be Thou My Vision” – Emma McLean
36:39 Welcome and Call to Worship – Elder Bob Dickson
49:55 Scripture Reading – Elder Ken Schmidt
51:00 Special Music – “In the Palm of Your Hand” – Emma McLean
54:40 Sermon – “Building Up The Body of Christ” – Elder Ken Schmidt

Summary

Elder Ken Schmidt brings a profound and insightful sermon focusing on spiritual growth, the development of Zion, and the vital role of love and spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. Ken begins by emphasizing the importance of truly hearing and internalizing familiar scriptures, specifically citing Doctrine and Covenants 140:5c, which states that the progress toward Zion is directly tied to the spiritual condition of God’s people. The central thesis is that despite 190 years since the church’s founding, Zion has not come closer because believers have not made significant progress in loving God and loving one another—the two great commandments upon which all law and prophecy hang.

Ken challenges traditional views of spiritual growth as something imparted only by leaders preaching or teaching from the pulpit, proposing instead a model where every member of the church actively participates through the use of spiritual gifts. These gifts, apportioned differently to each person by God, are essential for the edification and growth of the entire body of Christ. Ken highlights that no member is insignificant or unnecessary, even those considered “feeble” or humble; everyone’s contributions are crucial.

To facilitate this participatory approach to spiritual growth, Ken expounds on the concept of “shepherd groups” — small, intimate groups of church members who meet regularly to share their spiritual experiences, struggles, insights, prayers, and testimonies. These groups foster trust, mutual support, and collective growth in love for God and neighbor, which are keys to moving closer to Zion. The shepherd groups are designed for quality spiritual engagement rather than quantity of church activities, emphasizing genuine relationships and shared responsibility for spiritual progress.

Ken concludes his sermon with a reminder that the body of Christ grows and builds itself up through the coordinated operation of all its members working in love. Spiritual maturity and the establishment of Zion depend on this active, mutual involvement and the use of God-given gifts to serve one another, rather than a dependency on a few leaders.

Highlights

1. The progress toward Zion depends directly on the spiritual condition of God’s people.
2. Love of God and love of neighbor are the two great commandments upon which all scripture rests.
3. Spiritual growth is a relational process involving both knowing God and loving others, not merely intellectual knowledge or passive reception of preaching.
4. Every believer has spiritual gifts apportioned by God, and each gift is necessary for the growth and edification of the church.
5. No church member is insignificant; even those perceived as weak or humble are vital to the body of Christ.
6. Shepherd groups are small, intimate gatherings designed to foster mutual support, spiritual sharing, and collective growth in love and faith.
7. The church grows and builds itself up when all members actively contribute their gifts and work together in love.

Key Insights

1. Spiritual Condition as a Measure of Progress Toward Zion:
   The scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 140:5c underscores that Zion’s establishment is not a matter of time but of spiritual readiness. This challenges believers to self-examine their spiritual maturity and active love, recognizing that external progress is linked to internal transformation.
2. Primacy of Love in Christian Life and Doctrine:
   The two great commandments—love of God and love of neighbor—are foundational and encompass all other religious duties. This centrality of love suggests that doctrinal knowledge, rituals, or church activities without genuine love are insufficient for spiritual growth and the realization of Zion.
3. Relational Knowledge of God as Eternal Life:
   Eternal life is framed not as intellectual assent but as a deep, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This shifts the focus of spiritual growth from mere doctrine to experiential intimacy with God, which fuels love for Him and others.
4. Active Participation and Shared Responsibility in Spiritual Growth:
   Ken critiques passive models of receiving spiritual nourishment only from leaders, advocating instead for a church culture where every member uses their unique spiritual gifts for mutual edification, reflecting Paul’s teaching on the body of Christ with many members and diverse gifts.
5. Inclusivity and Value of All Members:
   Ken’s emphasis on the necessity of even the “feeblest” members confronts unhealthy hierarchies and encourages inclusion of all—regardless of status, gender, age, or perceived spiritual strength—highlighting God’s design for a diverse and interdependent community.
6. Shepherd Groups as a Model for Church Life:
   These small groups represent a practical and biblical way to cultivate love, trust, spiritual sharing, and prayer among members. They provide an intimate setting where individuals can express struggles, receive support, and grow together, overcoming the limitations of large congregational gatherings.
7. The “More Excellent Way” and Corporate Growth in Love:
   Ken concludes his message with a references Ephesians 4 to describe how the body of Christ grows by members “stepping forward together” in love, using their gifts in coordination. This image powerfully contrasts individualistic or hierarchical church models with a cooperative, Spirit-led community where growth is collective and built on mutual contribution.

Conclusion

The overall message is both a call and a roadmap for believers to engage deeply in loving relationships with God and one another through active use of spiritual gifts within smaller community settings, thereby advancing toward the establishment of Zion.