Why Church?

Going to Church and being part of a Church can be a difficult task for many people. I must confess that when Sunday morning comes there is a part of me that would rather roll over, sleep in, and take it easy. Additionally, I have found being part of the Church comes with some frustrations: cranky and judgmental people, denominations more interested in maintaining their institution than with proclaiming the gospel to advance God’s kingdom, petty disputes, as well as just being let down by leaders and people that should know better. It is no wonder why I, like many others, find myself not particularly liking Church, but the question then arises as to why I am part of the Church?

While I do not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. The true Church is not the institutions or the buildings, rather it is the people drawn together as one body in Christ. Those who make up the body of Christ have been called according to God’s purpose (Romans 8:15) to love one another as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35). Jesus never gives up on us and we should never give up on Him or in what He is doing in our life and in the lives of others. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As God’s workmanship, we need to recognize that we are all works in progress and under construction for His glory. Acknowledging that God is working, even when we do not see it, we need to “bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13).

While Churches may be flawed, they are still the assembly of God’s people. Going to Church does not make you a Christian but it is hard to maintain the Christian life without being part of a faith community. Being part of a vibrant Christian faith community that is grounded in the word of God and committed to proclaiming the good news of Jesus will: be a source of encouragement (Hebrews 10:25), help us strengthen our faith (Proverbs 27:17), and give us a family to help share our burdens (Galatians 6:2).

So, while I may not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. I am committed to the Church, for better and for worst, because it bears the name that is above every name: Jesus Christ. My hope is in Christ, not in people and what they say or do. We cannot claim to love God and not love people (1 John 4), which includes His Church. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).