Church: Why Community is Vital for Your Faith

It’s true that you can pray and read your Bible at home. However, connecting with God is not meant to be a solo sport. While not attending will not diminish God's love for you, neglecting community can severely stifle your spiritual growth.

1. The Church is Not a Building

The most important thing to understand is the biblical definition of "church":

• Church is People: The Bible describes the church as the Body of Christ—a living, human assembly of believers (1 Corinthians 1:2).

• Church is Family: It is referred to as the family of God. Just like a family, we are interdependent on one another for support, encouragement, and accountability.

“You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” (Matthew 16:18)

2. Why Community is Vital for Believers (3 Reasons)

When we gather together, we are fulfilling God’s intention for His people and growing in our faith in ways we cannot do alone:

• Obedience and Habit: Jesus made it His custom to go to the Temple (Luke 4:16). As His followers, we should follow His example. The Bible commands us: “Let us not neglect our church meetings... but encourage and warn each other.” (Hebrews 10:25)

• Encouragement and Service: Church is where we come together to not only hear God's Word but to encourage, pray for, and serve others on an intimate level. You benefit, and those around you benefit as well.

• Spiritual Maturity: Denying yourself the accountability and unity of other believers will stifle your growth. The church is the place where we are motivated to live more Godly lives and discover our sense of mission.

3. How to Choose the Right Church (3 Essentials)

There is no "perfect church," as every church is made up of imperfect people. However, you should evaluate any church by these three essentials. If a church fails any of these, you should look elsewhere:

1. Is it Christ-Centered and Biblical? The church must be built on the essentials of the Christian faith (Jesus is the only Son of God, salvation is a gift, and there is a heaven/hell). Everything preached, taught, and sung must be based on the Bible, not on the pastor's opinions or pop culture.

2. Does it Help Me Worship God? The environment should help you focus on glorifying God. If the style of music, the message, or the overall culture constantly irritates you or distracts you from worship, it may not be the right fit.

3. Can I Get Involved? A church should offer opportunities for you and your family to get involved—to serve, connect in a small group, and use your unique talents. True membership means both attending and participating in the life of the family.

The Final Word: If you have valid concerns about false doctrine or irresponsible use of money, you should leave and find a healthy church. If you’ve just been avoiding fellowship because it’s "uncomfortable," it’s time to choose one, commit, and invest in the community—it is an integral part of who you are as a Christian.