Beyond the Building: Why Connect with a Local Church?

When people think of “church,” often a building with stained glass or a steeple comes to mind. But the truth is, the church is not a building. The word “church” actually describes all those who follow Jesus and have covenanted together to help each other learn to obey Him.

You might notice different denominations of churches around. This is because, while all followers of Jesus agree on the core truths of the gospel, they may have different interpretations and applications of specific parts of Scripture. When a group of believers finds enough common ground in their understanding, they come together to form a local church. Their shared purpose? To make disciples – the very mission Jesus gave us until His return. We do this by helping others come to faith in Jesus and then guiding them as they learn to obey Him.

So, why should you connect with a local church? Here are some vital reasons:

First, when you give your life to Jesus, submitting to Him as Lord and Savior, something incredible happens. He forgives your sin, saves you from the coming judgment, and makes you a member of His “body” – the church. This isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a spiritual reality. You become part of a larger family of believers.

Second, we grow in our faith both individually and as a community. Jesus didn’t start a new religion filled with rituals. He invited us into a personal relationship with Him. When you are saved, you enter into this relationship with Jesus, and by extension, you are connected to others who are also in a relationship with Him. Going to church isn’t about participating in religious activity for the sake of it; it’s about actively participating in the relationship Jesus designed for us to live in.

As members of this church body, we experience mutual growth. We receive help and encouragement as we strive to understand and obey Jesus, and we, in turn, offer that same support to others on their journey of faith.

It’s true that you don’t have to physically attend a church building every week to be saved. Your salvation comes through your personal faith in Jesus Christ. However, when you are saved, Jesus makes you a member of His church – His body. Choosing not to connect with a local church of like-minded believers means you’ll miss out on a crucial aspect of your spiritual growth and formation.

Being in community with other believers provides built-in accountability. You have people who can encourage you in your walk with Jesus and offer help during challenging times. And it’s not just about receiving; you also have the privilege of providing that same support and encouragement to others.

Connecting with a local church is about more than just attending services. It’s about being part of the relational community that Jesus Himself established for His followers. It’s about growing together, supporting one another, and fulfilling the mission He gave us to reach the world with His love.

Jesus designed you for relationship. He loves us, so He makes us members of the church whether we want to be or not!