In this day and age of technology where sermons are accessible with a quick click, it can be easy to forget one of the most vital elements in the growth of a Christian – a church community.
I love the community we call “the church” of Jesus Christ. Maybe you’re a product of a church community. The church has never been my Savior or my idol, and my pastors were great examples and outstanding teachers. Our church leaders never said anything ungodly and never fell into a scandal.
For our family, every church community has been a safe place. My pastors led the church, inspired the church, and equipped us to do the work of the ministry. They also provided outreaches to serve our neighbors and our city. These outreaches were filled with compassion to help people. My family and friends joined the outreaches because we were devoted to the community.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23–25, NKJV)
There are many reasons why belonging to a church community is vital to Christian growth.
We are better together
Relationships are what the church does best, and because we gather, we can inspire and encourage one another. Where two are more are together, God is there. But that is the minimal; there is no maximum. Three thousand believers joined the church of Acts in one day. The scriptures have both large and small churches. There were small churches in homes and large churches in larger cities. So do not get caught up in what size church is the best.
Church communities are like people, and they come in all sizes. The size of the church should never matter; obey the command to be together. Life happens together, and spiritual growth happens best in the gathering.
As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17, NKJV)
We receive sharpening through relationships-one person sharpening another. It is not always what is taught, but what gets caught. We can catch how Sam treats his wife, and we can catch the way another person prays. We can catch great moments in the gathering — being together!
The church and disciples
I firmly believe that the church community is the best tool for making disciples. Hands down. Why? Because we do life together, and we gather around a Kingdom vision.
Genuine discipleship occurs when we gather and encourage one another. Being a true disciple means receiving and giving encouragement, exhortation, and comfort.
Jesus made disciples by teaching, training, and doing ministry together. Jesus and the disciples united around a message and a lifestyle that we need today.
We live in times where regular church attendance is not typical. We are not to forsake gathering together. We live at a time where many choose not to gather, and we fail to realize what we are losing. If we do not gather, we cannot function as a body.
The community of the church
We live in crazy times. We need each other more than ever. Do you think the devil wants us together? No! There is danger in being isolated. COVID19 taught us the adverse effects of isolation.
There is safety in the community, and there is counsel. Every believer is needed and needy.
Every believer must be a part of something bigger than themselves.
We need a safe church, and the church community needs you!
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