God has never done anything arbitrarily. Everything He does has purpose, both temporary and eternal. I think that is no truer in any area than when it comes to the church, specifically how God intended for local Christians to join themselves together as local congregations. It has become very popular in recent years to magnify the virtues of a relationship with God all the while denigrating the concept of religion, particularly as it relates to membership in local religious bodies (as if the two could Biblically be mutually exclusive).
However, I believe that God displayed great wisdom in His decision for Christians to identify themselves with local congregations. This is true in many respects. It was wise in that congregations represent multiple Christians who are able to combine their efforts in order to accomplish God’s purpose (Philippians 1:5). It was wise in that congregations provide a built in system of accountability with elderships who shepherd (Acts 20:28) and brethren who watch for one another (Galatians 6:1-2). But another aspect of this wisdom is seen in the community that a local congregation represents.
We underestimate the power of the local congregation when we relegate its importance in our lives to only “going to church.” I’m not saying that the primary purpose of the church isn’t worshipping and serving God, but there is wisdom in the church serving as a community in our lives. I love being around Christians and I love when Christians do things together. I draw support and encouragement from the time I spend around my brethren, not just in worship but outside of worship. Whether it’s eating out, taking in a ballgame, planning a trip out of town, playing games together, or any other number of activities that we enjoy I love being part of a church that is also a community – a group of Christians that like to spend time together.
It’s not just me, though. It seems that people gravitate toward congregations that are not only sound in the faith but who are active in doing things together. Now, I know there is someone, somewhere who will read this and his or her immediate reaction is, “But that isn’t what the church is for!” To that I would respond that I understand that it is not the church’s primary purpose. As stated above I agree that the church’s primary purpose is to worship and serve God (Ephesians 2:10). However, that does not discount the fact that Christians on their own can take the initiative to spend time together and show the world that we love one another. That is one way we can shine the light of Christ into the world (Matthew 5:16) and at the same time help one another get to heaven.
-Andy Brewer
Great point Andy. I especially appreciate the implied point that we can be a “community” without structure, organization and without spending a lot money on facilities. It all goes back to Rom 12:10. If our hearts are in the right place and we are focused on the right things – then we will want (or prefer) to be around each other.