Frequently Asked Questions
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
But a man of understanding will draw it out.
-Proverbs 20:5
1.
What is One Body Life?
One Body Life is a ministry that helps believers live out the oneness they already share in Jesus Christ. We offer biblical teaching (including a full online academy), conferences, and missions, along with other practical ways for believers from different ministries, churches, traditions, and backgrounds to fellowship and build one another up in the faith of Jesus. Our desire is to see Jesus’ prayer in John 17 take visible shape in the way His people love and receive one another.
2.
What is Ekklesia, and how is it different from what we normally call “church”?
Ekklesia is the Greek word for “assembly” that is commonly translated “church” in the New Testament. In everyday speech, “church” can refer to a building, a service, or a denomination. When Jesus said, “I will build My ekklesia” (Matthew 16:18), He was speaking of His people. We use ekklesia to emphasize how those people gather under Christ as Head, with room for every member to contribute and build up His Body. See our page "What Is Ekklesia?" for more information.
3.
Is One Body Life trying to start another church or denomination?
Our purpose is to help believers recognize one another as members of the one Body of Christ and put that shared life into practice. We welcome opportunities to work alongside churches and ministries, and we encourage believers to build relationships across those communities wherever the Lord has placed them. Our goal is not to start another church or form a group.
4.
Do I have to leave my church to participate?
You’re welcome to stay active in your church and take part in One Body Life. You can continue serving where you are while getting to know believers you might rarely meet through your usual church or ministry activities. Believers who aren’t currently part of a local church are welcome to participate, too. See our " Experience It" for more.
5.
Does Christian oneness mean we all have to agree doctrinally?
Our oneness rests on the common faith we share in Jesus Christ. Believers can hold different convictions about baptism, worship, or other matters of teaching and practice and still receive one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. That shared faith in Christ gives us room to study and share Scripture together and take our differences seriously while continuing in fellowship
6.
How can believers from very different backgrounds fellowship together without compromising their convictions?
Begin by welcoming one another as Christ welcomed you (Romans 15:7). Share a meal, pray together, and listen long enough to understand why another believer sees things differently- the key is to put your focus on Christ from the outset of your gathering. When issues arise, you can speak honestly about your convictions and give others the same freedom, trusting that each member has something to contribute as you seek to honor Jesus together. Here is an article on the many benefits of living and fellowshipping in Oneness. Read Benefits and Results of Oneness
7.
What is the Gospel of Peace?
The Gospel of Peace is the good news that Jesus Christ, through His cross, reconciles us to God and to one another. In Ephesians 2:14–18, Paul calls Christ “our peace” because He broke down the wall of separation and hostility between Jew and Gentile and brought them together in one Body. Together now we are the One New Man in Christ. We live out that good news when we welcome and fellowship with believers across the divisions that have kept us apart. This article on "The Gospel of Peace" really helps to get our focus on what matters greatly to God and helps us see our part in becoming preachers of "The Gospel of Peace."
8.
What are Life, Truth, and Glory, and how do they produce oneness?
In John 17, Jesus speaks of three gifts He shares with His people. Life is God’s eternal life, which we share as His family. Truth is the reality of Jesus Christ revealed in Scripture, which grounds us in our common faith. Glory is the glory Jesus shares with us, expressed as we follow His way of the cross and serve one another with humility and joy. Together, these gifts give us the capacity to live as one Body. The "Life, Truth, and Glory" link will lead to three articles will help expand your understanding of these foundational gifts the Lord has given us to be one!
9.
What does an Ekklesia gathering actually look like?
It usually begins with a meal around someone’s table. One person shares a passage of Scripture, another offers a prayer or a song, and someone else asks a question or tells how the Lord has been working in their life. The gathering will also share the Lord’s Supper. Everyone has room to contribute, and what each person brings is for the building up of the whole Body (1 Corinthians 14:26). You can read our webpage "What Is Ekklesia?" for more information.
10.
How can I get started?
Visit Start Here on our website menu for a short introduction to Jesus’ prayer for oneness and what it means for the Body of Christ. Then take a simple step where you are. Invite a believer you don’t usually fellowship with to share a meal, pray together, or watch the first Alpha Ekklesia video with you. Here is a link to that page on our site: Alpha Ekklesia
Getting Started & Resources
I’m brand new to One Body Life. Where should I start?
Start with Alpha Ekklesia, an eight-part video series designed to be watched and discussed with believers from different backgrounds. Begin with the first session, “That They May Be One,” and use the accompanying Scriptures and discussion questions to explore together what Jesus prayed for in John 17.
Where can I watch One Body Life teachings?
Our Videos page brings together chapter summaries and teaching sessions from One Ekklesia, One Truth, One Life & Glory, and Galatians: Uniting Divided People. You can watch a chapter on your own or use it to start a conversation with others.
What is the ONE Trilogy?
The ONE Trilogy is a three-book series by Henry Hon. One Ekklesia explores the participatory assembly Jesus said He would build. One Truth examines the common faith that holds believers together, and One Life & Glory looks at the life and glory Jesus shares with His people so they may be one. See our " ONE Trilogy" page for more.
Can I get a free book?
Yes. You can request a free copy of Galatians: Uniting Divided People by entering your email on the offer page. The book explores how Paul’s letter speaks to divisions among believers and what it means to share one life in Christ. Request a Free Copy
How can I talk with someone about Ekklesia?
Use our contact form to connect with someone from One Body Life. You can bring your questions about Ekklesia, talk through what a gathering might look like where you live, get more information about One Body Life Academy, or get help inviting others to go through Alpha Ekklesia with you. (Contact Us)
How can I support One Body Life?
Visit our Give page to support the ministry. You can help make Ekklesia events and conferences possible, support international missions, or contribute to scholarships for One Body Life Academy students.
How can I invite One Body Life to speak or conduct an event?
Reach out through our Contact page. Tell us a little about your interest or your group, where you’re located, and what you have in mind. If you have a date or a topic in mind, include it so we can talk through how we might serve you. Contact One Body Life