The congregation shall live by faith active in love. It shall motivate, equip and support its members to visit the sick, the infirm and the imprisoned; and to minister to the poor and the distressed; to serve as Christians in all the institutions and structures of society of which they are a part, and, individually and corporately to foster justice, overcome oppression, alleviate suffering, and care for the earth. In these efforts, the congregation shall cooperate with the synod and the churchwide agencies of the Church, other Christian churches, and other groups in society; and shall make certain that its other functions strengthen the motivation and ability for service.