Blog

The importance of church

5th May 2013, Jared Kealley

Being part of a church is such an important part of being a Christian, but sadly many Christians can neglect it for various reasons such as the business of life, past hurts, pride, and the negative impact of unhealthy churches. Nevertheless it is such an important aspect, and not being part can hinder our growth and impact. But why is it so important?

Well first let's look at some myths about church- what church isn't and doesn't do

 Myths about church 

• Going to church gets you into heaven
• Going to church makes you a Christian
• Going to church shows that you are better than others
• Church is the final authority on everything
• Going to church is just about Sunday's
• Belonging to a church means you have to exclude your family and friends

 As funny as some of them may appear, these myths have had an influence of Christianity, and many people have believed them. They are not only incorrect, but dangerous. Now they are out of the way, lets look at the real reasons of why church is important

 1. Obedience

Church is important to God, therefore it should be important to us. It is something that God has designed, and He wants us to be part of. Hebrews 10: 25 tells us not to neglect meeting together but to encourage one another. Whilst the bible doesn't say "you must go to church every Sunday", church involves meeting with each other, encouraging each other, sharing with each other, and loving each other, which the Bible tells us to do. Unity and fellowship is something that God wants for us, and Jesus prayed for this for us the night before He died. Also God is a loving father, so like all of His instructions, He tells us to do it because it is the best for us. We need it!

 2. Community

We were made for community. We were made in the image of God, and part of that involves relationship. Our relationship with each other flows out of our relationship with God, and our relationships with each other is an example of God's love to the world. People will know we are His disciples by the love we have for each other. When we meet and have fellowship, it is more than just getting together. It is a holy community, and Jesus is present with us.

This isn't just on a Sunday, but whenever we meet. But this doesn't diminish the importance for meeting together for church- this is a pattern that was established right at the beginning of the early church (Acts 2: 42), meeting for teaching, fellowship, sharing in the Lord's supper, and prayer, which is what we do at church. It is about having fellowship, celebrating, doing life together and being one, even though we are many.

3. Encouragement

Part of the community involves encouraging each other in our faith (1 Thessalonians 5: 11), and that's another reason why church is important. Even though this can happen outside of church, it is a big aspect of church and ensures that it happens. It's not only about us receiving encouragement in our faith, but also giving it. When we aren't part of a church, we not only miss out, but others do to because we bring something that is unique that others need. It's like a vital part is missing when we aren't part of a church.

4. Equipping

Church is also about being equipped to do what God has called us to do. Ephesians 4: 11 tells us that Christ gave to the church leadership gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (the five-fold ministry) to equip the people to minister and build up the church. Church is a place where we are trained up and equipped to minister- to shine out the light and love of Jesus. If we aren't part of a church, we aren't fully equipped to do this. The word equip means fully qualifed for service, so without church, it's like we aren't quite up to scratch to do the task.

5. Stability

The word "equipping" also means to bring wholeness like a surgeon does when setting a bone during surgery, bringing restoration and stability, and that's another factor of why church is so important. Ephesians 4: 14 tells us that through being equipped and growing in maturity, we will be stable, doesn't matter what is going on outside. We won't be immature like children, or blown about like a little boat being tossed about in the sea. We won't chase the latest fad, follow the latest false doctrine (and there are so many out there) or go off track. Without being part of that community where we are equipped and grow, having teaching and direction, it is easy to go off the mark.

It is not only the teaching and direction that helps us stay on track, but also the fact that we have people who help support us, give advice and encouragement, and watch our back. We not only have each other, but also the pastor/leadership, who God has appointed to nurture us, and help keep accountability and encourage growth. Some people argue that being accountable to a pastor or leadership is dangerous because they aren't accountable to anyone, and yes there are wolves in sheep clothing who are not true pastors, but true pastors and leaders will also have people around them who they are accountable to, which ensures their own growth and stability, and they continually commit themselves to God's will, and are gifted and called to care for and nurture believers. Leadership is vital for growth in the church and is a gift from God.

The stability we get from being part of a church not only leads to personal growth, but also Kingdom expansion. It grows out of us into the community and beyond. So being part of a church is not just about us- it affects more than we know!

Blessings

Pastor Jared