I’ve been reading many articles lately that keep proclaiming how many are leaving and “done” with the church, how no one can trust the church because of issues, and how church isn’t really that important. I know there are many backgrounds involved with this and everyone’s story is different, but I’d like to encourage you in the fact that the Church is more important than you might be thinking.
Leaving And Being “Done” With Church
I think this line of thinking can apply to many people, but mostly it seems this is coming from the younger generation. Many are growing up in the church or at least observing it and when their expectations aren’t met, they are leaving. They are claiming that real Christianity doesn’t have to involve the church if they are following Jesus and they are doing just fine. Unfortunately, this line of thinking is not true.
Church isn’t about our expectations or preferences, it never has been. It’s all about Jesus.
Church is the body of Christ. It’s the people. Every follower of Jesus is a member of the body and together, we make up the church. It isn’t a building or a location, but it’s made up of individuals. The church is the hope of the world and God will use His Church to advance His Kingdom.
You simply can’t “leave” or be “done” with the church. What you’re really saying is that you want to follow Jesus on your own terms, not on the Bible’s terms.
“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” – Romans 12:15
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18
Can’t Trust Church Because of Issues
Another popular argument against the church is people can’t trust it because of so many issues that come up. Let’s remember again the church is made up of people. Sinful, flawed, people. We are all sinful…we all make mistakes…that’s the whole reason we need a Savior to begin with. We can’t live this life on our own and we certainly can’t live this life perfectly. So if we can’t do that, of course the church is going to have issues.
People look at the church and expect perfection and when mistakes happen, they give up. Followers of Jesus don’t become perfect once they start to follow Him. We are just as sinful today as we were yesterday, but the difference is we follow and trust a Savior who has forgiven us.
It’s good news that the church isn’t perfect and has issues because everyone is welcome! You don’t have to clean yourself up or be perfect to be a part of the church, but only put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. You’ll still make mistakes, but that’s the beauty of Jesus…you’ll still be forgiven.
Church Really Isn’t That Important
I think for our culture today, the biggest issue is that the church just isn’t a priority. We have missed the importance of being involved with our brothers and sisters in Christ and serving and loving our neighbors. We are choosing our own preferences and are wanting to follow Jesus on our own.
God is the one who created the heavens and the earth and He is the one who created us, the church. If we trust Him in other areas of our lives and believe He knows everything, why would we stray away from the way He has designed church to be? It’s foolish of you and of me to live in a way that is contrary to the Bible as a follower of Jesus.
God makes it clear all throughout His Word that the life of the Christian is not to be spent in isolation, but within community. We are designed for people. We were created for relationships. We need others. We need Jesus. We need the Church.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
Do you have a church? If you’ve experienced hurt or issues within a church, would you take a chance to try again? If you’ve never been a part of a church and you claim to follow Jesus, what is stopping you today? You are made to be within community and God has given you purposes to fulfill within the body of Christ. Don’t miss it. Church is more important than you think.
I agree we need fellowship with believers. I have to be careful with the kind of church I go to if they are preaching something that is not in the bible. ALso I have attended churches that do not have any kind of stucture to help those who need counseling, or guidence. The church is a hospital for followers of Christ and those who want to learn more about how to follow Christ. If the hospital/church is not helping and is hurting the people, one can not keep subjeccting themselves unhealthy fellowship. I hear the shaming if people don’t go… Read more »
Thanks for reading and for sharing Bonnie! Yes agreed, I would say that if it’s that type of church you’re talking about, then it’s not really church to begin with. It has to be the people of God (while not perfect), striving to glorify God in everything they do and actually abide by the Word of God and point people to Jesus. Thanks again for sharing!
I totally agree when you said that we continue to sin everyday that is why it would be better to attend the Sunday service to continue learning about Him and be like Him as well. With that, I should find a church that I can attend every Sunday now that I have moved into my new home this month. I don’t know if there are churches near me or in the city. But I hope that I can find one before Sunday comes.
Thanks so much for reading Millie and for sharing!
Thanks for helping me understand that God has made it clear that the life of a Christian is to be spent with a community and not just on your own. I will share this information with my sister so that she will start attending a church in the location that she will be living in starting next month. This is because she needs to move there for her work. This will help her know the importance of being connected with fellow Christians.
Thanks so much Millie for reading and for sharing!
Thank you, Mike, for this important word. With families scattered and times changing, people often feel disconnected. The Body of Christ not only restores that loss, it gives us the place to use our God-given gifts to build up the church as a stronger (and greatly needed!) witness to the world. For those of us who have been hurt in some way by church peoples, I pray you won’t give up! You might have to sit on the back row during many services and even change your denomination, but with prayer and Holy Spirit guidance, you will find the Body… Read more »
Thanks for sharing Mary! I think many people out there are hurt by bad experience or past struggles, but I agree with you…we can’t just give up when experiences like that happen. After all, we are all sinful and we are all still in need of Jesus so we’ll never get anything perfect. Appreciate you sharing!
While I agree with your larger argument that we should strive to worship with fellow believers and join a church, I don’t think you’re hearing what the unchurched are saying. People who’ve left the church aren’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for the bare minimum of friendliness and acceptance. And for a variety of reasons, they’re not getting it. Church is demographically tailored for you: you’re a white husband and parent, and odds are excellent that you attend a church full of people who look like you, have the same common interests, and share the same beliefs. So of course… Read more »
Hey Christian, thanks for sharing. Unfortunately you’re right when it comes to the church still being sinful because it’s made up of sinful people…we won’t always get it right at times. And when the church makes a mistake, it stands out more because we are to be a light to the world. There’s great opportunity with being a light, but also can cause people to want to walk away when mistakes happen. Whether it’s my church or someone else’s hopefully all local churches show people that everyone is welcome to be a part, be in community, listen to the Gospel… Read more »
Mike, another great post. The Church is very important to a Christian. Regardless of the issues in a church, I can honestly say that when I miss a Church Service, it is like I missed talking to my Savior. Christians are stronger as a group and should help each other through troubling times, which we all have.
Thanks so much. Agreed on your points…we are called to spur one another on to love and good works and we’ll never get to do that as the church if we aren’t a part of the church. Appreciate you sharing!