In her 1971 book, Eighth Day of Creation, Elizabeth O'Connor shares this about the church she attended at that time, the Church of The Savior in Washington, D.C.

When we describe "Church" we like to say that it is a gift-evoking, gift-bearing community—a description based on the conviction that when God calls a person he calls him into the fullness of his own potential.  This is why "Church" implies a people; no one enters into the fullness of his being except in community with others persons.  No Community develops the potential of its corporate life unless the gifts of each of its members are evoked and exercised on behalf of the whole community. (Eighth Day of Creation, Word Books: Waco, Texas, p. 8)

In light of the fact that each person in the church is to exercise the gifts the Holy Spirit has given him or her, how would you define this aspect of being the Church.

Any thoughts?