Reasons Why I need the Church
There are so many opinions flying out in society today regarding whether the church is really something we need or not. Many today feel they can get the “God-fix” just by hanging out in the woods, working in the yard, or just reading a good book on the back deck. Although, one might encounter God in each of these encounters, I would have to say that there are many other reasons why one might need a vibrant, life-giving local church experience in their life.
I think we do not only need the local church, but should love it! Jesus gave Himself for her. As Christians we might want to follow His example, as that is what the term ‘Christian’ means.
Rick Warren says, “A Christian without a church home is like an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a family. It is an unnatural state.â€Without a local church, our lives are incomplete. You may have needs that aren’t being met through your local church, but God intends for it to provide the following needs:
- An environment of spiritual growth.
- An atmosphere of God’s presence.
- A place to belong to a genuine community.
- A family to help meet your needs.
- A place of covering and protection.
- A place for accountability and safety.
- A place for wisdom, direction, and counsel.
- A place to make a difference.
- An opportunity to pour your life into others.
- A safe atmosphere to raise families.
- A place to give of finances, time, and energy.
If you can think of anymore or would like to give me your thougths, let ‘er rip! Marc
Marc,
I see where you are going here and I think it’s good… but it’s not great.
Far too often people put a strong emphasis on “church” and fail to highlight what the “church” should be doing. I’ve seen a lot of people who feel their commitment to Christ begins and ends with going to church and following their programs. Unfortunately, many churches focus on taking care of themselves first and reaching others second.
It is far too easy to fill your schedule with cell groups and other church events while completely ignoring the hurts of the world surrounding you.
You are right that we should follow Christ’s example and what was the one most important thing that Christ did?
Sacrifice.
And while Christ loved the church (saved sinners), He gave His life for those not yet in it. The church is nothing more than a group of sinners who have been saved and know of the grace that covers their mistakes.
Ultimately, meeting with a group of believers for all the things you have listed above is good, but if we think attending a weekly service is what God has called us to do then we are just wasting time.
-Johnpaul
John Paul, good to hear from you! I would agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of many Christians today, as well as many churches. However, with all due respect don’t agree with your interpretation of my view of the local church and its purpose. I think in many aspects we would be closer than you realize.
I do agree that many church focus only on themselves and their needs (which is one part of the church’s purpose), while ignoring the second, which is the great commision. It is unfortunate to see that 95% of all Christians have never led anyone to Christ, and over 50% of churches in America will not add one new convert to their church. Sad facts, but true.
Jesus didn’t say, “be preoccupied until we come,” He said, “occupy until He comes.” He didn’t say, “Go into hibernation,” but to, “go into every nation.
The challenge I face as a leader, and many leaders worldwide, is finding the balance between caring for the needs of those God has entrusted in your care and those that desperately need Christ. We are called to both. Many leaders do feel the constant burden of the overwhelming needs of those around them. Their lack of outreach is often superseded by their love for people. A hard one to argue, but I agree, one that can’t be ignored.
There are no perfect Christians and no perfect churches. Each of us have been called to be a witness, as well as a disciple. In addition each will be held accountable for the opportunities we took, or missed, while here on earth.
I think it is up to us as individuals and leaders to model by example and then inspire those around us to make a difference in the lives of those that desperately need Christ.
I have tried to model that daily by reaching out to people and making a difference in the lives of those around me. I continue to open my home, wallet and heart to those God puts in my path every day.
The church must again become the “light to the world,” and the, “salt to earth.” The church is you and me, not a building as some have ‘misquoted’ me to believe. We must each do our part and encourage others to do likewise.
I choose to be a part of inspiring and motivating Christians to do their part, not putting them down. We all need more strokes than pokes. I have found the best way to motivate someone to change is to love them, come along side of them, speak faith into their life and encourage them. It is how Jesus did it! Let’s each do our part of encouraging the body of Christ to be the body of Christ and reach a world that desperately needs Him. We just might have better results and reach our end objective quicker.
John Paul, great word. I hope this has helped to better understand ‘my view’ of why I need church and give further clarification as to the churches greater purpose. I also do hope you realize that one can discuss some important aspects about a topic (why I need the church) and have those few aspect remain true without having to list all the aspects of a topic. It is apparent to us all that to list all the reasons one might need church would be too long for any one post. That is why there are books written on that one subject. I do believe that people need the local church (a local body of believers, committed to each other, and together committed to Christ and His word). I also believe that those people will miss their primary mission in life if they end at only serving each other.
Let us each make a commitment to touch a life today with the love of Christ. It just might be the most important thing you can do today!
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I do appreciate your points on leadership. I think as a leader you may be called to spend more time “shepherding the flock†than the average Christian. I would still like to see more leaders take charge and get involved sacrificing their TIME (not money, which is easy) to help others outside of the church walls. For me there is nothing more rewarding then spending time serving those in need.
Reformed Pope-There actually are leaders who are doing the very thing you desire to see more of. They understand the following:
Matthew 6:3 & 4 3But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
You just aren’t going to hear about the lay pastor who delivers 10 food boxes to low income apartments, every week. These leaders exist, and in greater number then you might imagine.
Thank you Bradley, that’s wonderful.
Of course, you don’t actually think that Matthew 6:3-4 is really telling us to be masked super-pastors do you?
Have no fear, SuperServant is here. Delivering food boxes to the poor, under the cloak of darkness… who is that masked man?
Captain Food Box to the rescue.
I’m pretty sure that when quoting the Bible you should include all pertinent verses…such as verses 1 & 2 which state:
1″Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2″So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
The point being, if your kind acts are done to receive praise from others than God will not honor them. Instead, do kind acts to honor the Lord and not yourself.
From Reformed Pope: “The point being, if your kind acts are done to receive praise from others than God will not honor them. Instead, do kind acts to honor the Lord and not yourself. ”
No disagreement here. Thank you for extending my point.
By the way, your imagination is better than I gave you credit for.
I’m glad we agree. And I’m glad that you understood my attempt at humor.
The world we live in is interesting. When Jesus roamed the earth (like the dinosaurs) He didn’t need to have a planning meeting to set a “help the needy†schedule. He didn’t need to offer any discipleship training classes for his supporters. He simply said “Follow Me†and off they went to minister to those in need. Now however, we are forced to waste so much energy in the preparation stages.
Sometimes I wish I could just go grab a donkey and start wandering.
Very good reading. Peace until next time.
WaltDe