Have you ever sat at Church wanting to be somewhere else, or feeling like you are not gaining anything from being there?

We live in a society where we have a huge choice and range of products. It has created a consumer attitude, where we want the best. There is a big risk in bringing this attitude into the Church. We look at what we can gain by attending and being part of a church, and are quick to criticise and slow to get involved and commit. That is not to say there are not personal benefits in going to church, but we often look at the superficial issues, rather than what the Bible says about church.

God’s family

As Christians, we have been forgiven and brought into a relationship with God. More than that, we have become part of God’s family: the Church.

Christ died for the Church

In fact Jesus didn’t die for us merely as individuals, but as His Church:
“Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25
If Christ loved the church enough to die for her, surely as followers of Christ we too must love the church.

The Body of Christ

One image the Bible uses to describe the church is the body of Christ:
“And God placed all things under His feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the Church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” Ephesians 1:22-23

The imagery of the Church being Christ’s body is very strong. It shows us we are so close to God’s heart, we are part of Christ; His Son. As Joshua Harris puts it, “we’re more than brothers and sisters in Christ. As we express our union with Him through service, worship and love, we become the physical manifestation of our Saviour on earth.”

God’s purpose for the Church

But it is even better than this. This verse says that “God placed all things under His [Christ’s] feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the Church”. How amazing is that! Christ was exalted for the Church.

We also see that Christ is exalted through the church:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.“ Ephesians 3:20-21

Furthermore, the Bible says that God uses the Church to display His wisdom:
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:10-11

So we can see that Christ loves us not only as individuals, but corporately; as His church. He died for the Church and has been exalted for the Church. And, through His Church, He is glorified, and the wisdom of God is made known.
Knowing this, how can we not be excited about the Church and want to get involved?

Why a Local Church?

Of course, these verses are talking about the Universal Church; that is all believers. So why is it important to commit to one local church?

Joshua Harris helpfully describes the local church as a “visible, tangible, real world expression of the body of Christ.” Going to church is more than listening to preaching, singing to God and fellowship with other believers. All these things are great and important aspects of the Church, but there is more than this. God uses the Church to reach the world and to help believers grow.

Obey and Submit to Your Leaders

The Bible tells believers to obey and submit to their leaders:
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so their work will be a joy and not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17

How can we obey and submit to our leaders if we have not committed to a local church and made ourselves known? We wouldn’t have any leaders to submit to!

All too often we view church like a bus, where the pastor or leaders are the drivers and we just come along for the ride when we want. This is not how it is meant to be. As his body, we should take an active role in Christ’s work, each with our own gifts. To use the image of marriage, how absurd would it be for someone to want to marry their partner, who they claim love, but not want to spend time with them or do anything with them or for them?

Christ calls us to love the church. If we want to be obedient to Him, that means taking an active and committed role in a local church.

The themes discussed here are from Stop Dating the Church, by Joshua Harris. If you wish to explore this area more, this book is strongly recommended. Here's more of what he thinks about church: