In today’s world, a growing number of young people are forging a deep faith in Jesus. Yet, it’s concerning to observe many choosing to practice their faith independently, without the support of a church community. Even Bear Grylls has expressed the belief that attending church is not a necessity for Christians.
While this piece is not about casting judgement, it serves as a gentle reminder of the enduring significance of the church.
It’s important to acknowledge that hesitation towards church involvement may be justified. Recent decades have brought to light distressing revelations about the church, including issues of abuse, manipulation, scandal, and hypocrisy.
Additionally, some church environments may come across as legalistic and judgemental, leaving individuals feeling unwelcome if they don’t conform to certain norms.
Many have distanced themselves not from God, but from institutions that profess to represent Him. In numerous ways, the church has not met the expectations of this generation. Yet, this is not the church’s intended role.
Understanding the Church
The New Testament presents the church as “ekklesia,” a Greek term referring to a “called-out assembly or gathering of people.” This term encompasses both the universal Church (all believers across time and space) and local congregations (communities of believers who meet regularly). Essentially, the church is not merely a physical structure but the collective body of God’s people.
Therefore, if you have faith in Jesus, you are already part of His body (1 Corinthians 12:27), with Christ as the Head (Colossians 1:18). However, this article emphasizes the importance of belonging to a local church. A strong personal relationship with Jesus is crucial, yet genuine spiritual growth thrives in community, not solitude.
The Church as a Spiritual Family
Life is a blend of beauty and challenges. God’s design for the church is to be a spiritual family (Ephesians 2:19; Galatians 6:10; Romans 12:5), a place where members support each other in trials, celebrate victories, and share everyday life. It should be a space of acceptance and fellowship, offering encouragement rather than judgement. Above all, it is a place to learn love.
The New Testament is replete with “one another” commands: Love one another (John 13:34-35), bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). These directives cannot be fulfilled in isolation. Love, by its nature, is relational. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us: “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Facilitating Growth
The church plays a pivotal role in providing a sacred space for communal worship and prayer (Acts 3:42-47), which honors God and fortifies a Christian’s identity. It is not merely a social club or a weekly gathering; it is where discipleship, as part of the Great Commission, occurs.
While we come as we are, we are not meant to remain unchanged. This concept might be challenging to accept. In the Gospels, Jesus didn’t simply save the disciples; He invested time in transforming them. Similarly, we are called to grow and be challenged. This transformation happens within the church through teaching, correction, and guidance from Scripture, pastors, and mature believers. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
The church guards against spiritual stagnation and offers accountability in faith. It is a privilege to have a fellowship of believers to accompany us on our spiritual journey, especially during times of crisis or weakness.
This growth is not solely for our benefit. We develop together in the Lord to help others grow in their relationship with Him. Discipleship is best nurtured and sustained within the church. Without the fellowship of believers, it is easier to be swayed, tempted, or to give up.
A Place of Purpose
The church is a gathering of the “called-out,” those chosen to carry forward Jesus’ message. Salvation comes with a purpose. Within the church, you discover your God-given gifts, learn to utilize them, and step into your calling—not just for personal gain, but to serve others and build God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 4:10). Purpose unfolds in community; you were never meant to navigate it alone. The body of Christ offers a wealth of wisdom in faith and life experience—people who have weathered life’s storms and stayed true, ready to provide sound advice and pray with you as you seek to discern God’s will.
An Imperfect but Valuable Institution
The church is composed of imperfect individuals, which is why it can sometimes be messy. However, Jesus did not abandon the church. In fact, He “loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Therefore, we should not give up on it either. The phrase “Be the change you want to see” is often repeated, but it holds profound wisdom. Instead of walking away, can we commit to building the Church God envisions? That can’t happen if we’re not part of it.
As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16 and 20, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” A healthy church produces good fruit, reflecting God’s kingdom—a diverse group, united in love and truth, demonstrating to the world the reality and power of God’s grace.
Seek a church. Not just any church, but one centered on Christ and the Bible, valuing God’s love, discipleship, and integrity. Pray for guidance in finding the right one.
Don’t let fear, doubt, or pride keep you on the sidelines. As Dr. Don Raunikar wisely noted, “Proud people work on their own initiative. They want to obey only their own self-exalting impulses. Humility, on the other hand, sees the value of the larger group, the church, or the family unit. Pride sees only the individual.”
The truth is: you need the church, and the church needs you.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
