Who Needs Church

How important really is the local church? The Bible certainly teaches that one's membership in a local church does not guarantee a spot in heaven. Many would argue that the Church is a universal body made up of all believers in Jesus Christ regardless of denominational affiliation, or even with such an affiliation at all. Since God is everywhere, conceivably one could worship God just as easily alone in nature's sanctuary as they could gathered with others in a traditional worship facility. The local church has taken on a new role in 21^st Century American culture.

To the contemporary secularist, the local church can become an easy target for ridicule, insults, and blame.

To the average church member, the local church can become an optional tool to use when convenient but to set aside when something else seems more pleasurable or convenient.

To some denominational entities, the church can become nothing more than a pipeline for funding salaries, filling budgets, and feeding egos.

To some pastors, the church can become a personal kingdom built to serve his personal need for power, control, and prestige.

To some thoroughgoing church members, church can become a legalistic yardstick by which they measure perceived spiritual maturity.

But consider this. The New Testament translates the Greek word "ekklesia" as church. The word clearly refers to a local congregation of believers some 90 times. Some believe another 19 appearances of the word refer to a more global manifestation of church that includes all professing believers in Jesus Christ as God's Son. That understanding of the word is at best debatable. One could argue that ekklesia always refers to some representation of a local body of believers.

That said, we do well also to place great importance on the role of the local church in our lives. What can we get from the local church that we cannot get from another civic organization or group? Consider the importance of the local church:

It is the place God has intended for you to discover and use your spiritual gifts.

(1 Corinthians 12)

The church is the place for mutual accountability. (Matthew 18:15-20)

The church is the place to find help with our burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

The church is the place for encouragement and strength. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

The church is the place to find forgiveness, restoration, and acceptance. (2 Corinthians 2:1-8)

How important is your church to you? How committed are you to the church and to your fellow members? Have you let your church participation slip? If so, you are on dangerous ground. Let me encourage you to get involved with a local body of believers. You will certainly be the better for it. We may not be perfect, but then again, neither are you.

God does not need me, and honestly, neither does the church . . . but I SURE DO NEED THE CHURCH.