Why is it so Important?

I was asked this question recently when discussing leaving volleyball practice (I’m the assistant coach and my daughter plays) early for special services at church. Harley was scheduled to sing in the revival services, and she wanted to have a few extra minutes to get ready rather than rushing around to make it on time.

I’ve been going over that question in my mind ever since.

I responded the best I could in a short conversation, but there really is no short answer.

That question doesn’t just reflect the views of that particular person. That question seems to reflect the views of our society today—among unbelievers and believers.

Before I go any further, let me get one thing clear. I know it is possible that you have accepted Christ as your Savior and are not involved in a church. The only somewhat negative review of my Bible study was regarding chapter five, A Piece of the Wall. The reviewer implies that I said you had to be in a church to be saved; however, that is not the case.

Now let’s get back to the question, why is it so important?

Church family.

That is the reason it is so important.

It is not about a building. It is not about a tradition.

It is because I am part of a family.

It is not somewhere that I have to be. It is not something that I have to do.

I want to be there.

When faced with a conflict in schedule (i.e. work responsibility, etc.), I would much rather be in church. And I miss being there when I can’t be there.

My church family is there. My closest friends are among my church family. The preaching from God’s Word convicts me, challenges me, and encourages me to keep living out my faith. The fellowship, which can sometimes go on for an hour or more after services, is a refreshing change from some of the conversations and situations that I have to deal with in my everyday life. There is something special going on at my church, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it. It is a blessing to me that both of my children, somewhat quiet in “the world,” have such a special relationship with kids in their youth group and adult leaders that we have to practically pull them away so we can get home at a decent time after services!

No, I don’t have to be there. I want to be there.

“The church is the vehicle God uses to spread the Gospel, and as believers we should all be involved in a local, Bible believing church. Not only for the church’s work in evangelism, but also for edification—ours and our fellow believers” (There’s a Fly in my Tea, p. 50).

Edification – A building up, in a moral and religious sense; instruction; improvement and progress of the mind, in knowledge, in morals, or in faith and holiness (Webster’s 1828).

Much of the Bible is composed of letters written to churches—bodies of believers—to edify them. The letters, inspired by God, were designed to build up believers, to instruct them, to prompt them toward holiness. Believers are encouraged to edify one another as well.

For those that say, “I don’t have to go to church to have a relationship with God.”

You are right; however, nowhere in the Bible is a believer encouraged to “go it alone” either.

And why would you want to?

The Christian life isn’t getting any easier. Why try to “go it alone” when you can join a church family and have the encouragement to keep pressing on?

P.S. If you are in the El Dorado, Kansas area and without a church family, come visit us at Temple Baptist Church. We’d love to have you!