The universal church is comprised of every person who has placed their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for salvation. The church is a living spiritual body, and transcends all racial, ethnic, political, and geographical parameters. Christ is the head of his church and every born again person is a member of his church. Through the Spirit of God, every member of the church is equipped with gifts that are essential for the whole church to flourish and grow in spiritual maturity. While the gifts differ in function, every gift is equally necessary for the health of the universal church.