Who needs the church!

On the question of why join a local church? A pastor said, "because it gives us a purpose to live for, people to live with, principles to live by, a profession to live out, and power to live on." There is not quite any place on earth where you can find all these benefits in one place except for the body of Christ.

People often ask "Why should i join a church anyway? After all, it makes no difference, i can still go to church and participate in all the activities without feeling tied down or committed."

The last word in that is very key to why you should be a part of a local body- commitment. Joining or membership in a church is a step of commitment which the dedicated christian expresses through their words and their deeds that Christ is Savior and they will follow Him. This commitment involves many areas of our lives such as commitment to God, our family, personal growth, and our ministry that God has called us to. Proverbs 12:7, Philippians 3:14, Ephesians 4:11-12. (Side note YES! God has given you a ministry to serve Him in, something He has given you the gifts talents and ability to do.)

A main part in a persons commitment  lies in accountability to the church and its leadership (Hebrews 13:17, Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Without this it can be easy to falter and fail but your local group of leaders can be there to help and encourage you along the way. With love, support, encouragement, and a little bit of challenge from the leadership and the congregation each person can not only maintain, but grow in their walk with God.

Another reason to join a local church is- relationships. There are no one man shows in Christianity.     "Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God" 1 Peter 2:5 We are being built together to do amazing thing for Christ.

We are all part of the body of Christ, He has given all of us something to take part in.
"The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body,". Romans 12:5 

Remember your church needs you for strength, unity, growth, ministry, and direction. You also need the church for the same thing.

"Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. 11 Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, 12 cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. " Romans 12:10-12

All Scripture quoted was from The Message translation.
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