Got Church?

I hated church. Sure, I attended for many years, but did so out of obligation. Years later there was a major shift in my church experience when I became a Christian and discovered a church I could relate to.

I was un-churched for twenty years when a friend invited me to a relevant place where for the first time I heard what Christianity really is. Not religious activity, but a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And I learned that becoming a Christian, beginning that relationship, requires a decision. I took that step and I stuck with that church.

I think of church as a vehicle that makes me accessible to God. Sure, God could force His will on us; but He doesn't work that way. By participating in a local church we expose ourselves to worship, teaching, serving, outreach, ministry, and community — and we allow God to grow us.

When Jesus returned to His Father, a plan unfolded. A God-created community called church was launched. A community devoted to Jesus's teaching and saved by His grace; they gave to the needy; shared their possessions; and spread His message of hope. Acts 2 describes this new kind of community -- the first church.

Can a Christian survive apart from a church? God is certainly sufficient to care for our needs outside the church. You can still get to heaven if you don't go to church. But even though it's technically possible to live the Christian life in isolation, I wouldn't recommend it.

When you become a Christian, you are called into a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:9). But 1John 1:3 makes it clear that we enter a fellowship that goes two ways: with God and with other Christians.

The New Testament never divides Christians into the church members and the non-church members. All the way through, it assumes that everybody participates in their local assembly. It gives no examples of Christians who belong to the "universal church" but have no link with a local church.

Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early church: "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them." For Christians in every location, regular gathering was a part of life.

How to Find a Church There are some great churches out there. Find one!