Who make up the one body (the church, the family) of Christ? All who come into Christ in the way described by the New Testament. Have you believed and obeyed Jesus? Then, in that same belief, you will want to meet with others who also believe and obey the same Jesus. Christ has placed both you and them into the same body (Acts 2:41,47; 1 Corinthians 12:13).
The book of Romans emphasizes the importance of Christ’s church-family. God wants your “living sacrifice” to be offered in the setting of this family (Romans 12:1-5). You give yourself to the Lord by using your special gifts for the growth of His body (Romans 12:6- 8). He wants you to love and support these members (Romans 12:9-13). He wants all disciples to live in harmony and unity (Romans 15:5; 14:1-21).
Obeying Christ’s will, His people meet together in local congregations. Romans calls these gatherings the “churches” that belong to Christ. “All the churches of Christ greet you” (Romans 16:16). This plural term “churches” means local assemblies or congregations. Never does “churches” refer to divisions or denominations. The New Testament uses different terms for the church. No particular one is meant to be “the official name” (such as might be used on a government form or on a building or a sign). Rather, the New Testament’s terms emphasize that congregation’s relationship with God and His Son, and at times its geographical location.