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2 Reasons you Should Stop ‘Going’ to Church

3/18/2014

10 Comments

 
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I have a Christian friend who isn’t interested in going to church.  As the son of a nationally-known pastor, this might seem surprising.

He grew up in the church, attending so many church events and meetings that he felt like he lived there. In fact, he has very few childhood memories that don’t include the church in some way. And since he believes the church didn’t contribute to his spiritual growth in any significant way, he no longer views it as necessary.

But going to church and living in a community of faith aren’t necessarily the same.  Having grown up in the midst of church life as well, I see a looming difference.

Today, many in the church try to replace community with church attendance, assuming the two ideas are interchangeable.  If you’re on the fence about getting involved in a local church, I urge you to stop going to a building every Sunday and instead become a true member of the community inside.

Here are two reasons you should stop going church and get involved in the community it offers.

God lives in community

The Triune God lives in community. As a Trinity of persons, God eternally exists as three persons in One. He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Yet, he is One God.

The community within the triune Godhead is perfect. Despite each having a unique role, each member of the Trinity is equal in worth and value. There is no disharmony, struggle for independence, or one-up-manship.

You and I are image bearers of this Triune God. We were designed and shaped by the triune God to exist in community with others, just as He exists in perfect community within Himself.

God blesses His community

The church is not a building. It is a body of people – Christ’s body (Eph. 1:23; 4:4).

At the moment a soul is snatched from sin by Christ’s blood, they are brought into the family of God. They are bound together with many souls, gifted for service, and commissioned to bring others to the table.

So, when we simply ‘attend’ a church service without connecting with those around us, we fail to glimpse the glories of the community of Christ.  

It is not enough to sit in a Sunday School class. It is not enough to stand and sing a few worship choruses, and then slide out the back so you don’t have to speak to anyone.

The community found in the body of Christ is where the gospel shines the brightest. Why? Because that’s where redeemed individuals learn to serve one another in sacrificial ways, reflecting the loving character of our God.

Community is where the gospel is lived out in 3-D. In the community of faith that exists within my own church, I can think of several ways God has blessed me.
·         Instant prayer support & encouragement
·         Loving friendships who have my best interests at heart
·         A place to belong
·         Spiritual growth
·         Provision of physical needs during challenging circumstances 
·         A service role and a place to exercise spiritual gifts

When we merely attend a church service, we miss out on the blessings of community. I think this is the fact my dear friend forgot.

It does us little to open the doors of the church without opening our hearts as well. So, stop ‘going’ to church and get involved in the community it offers!

Looking for an entry point into your church community? Here’s a few ideas:
·    Join a small group
·    Participate in Sunday School discussions (which might mean preparing for lessons even
     when you aren’t the teacher!)
·    Sign up to serve
·    Open the Scriptures with a group of women
·    Find a mentor
·    Ask two other people to meet you to pray
·    Ask someone to lunch following the Sunday service
·     Follow your church on social media and keep an eye out for needs you can meet
·     Share your resources by tithing
·     Pray for an opportunity to connect

Are you involved in a community faith? How did that impact your ability to carry out the Great Commission?
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About Melissa

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Melissa’s motto as a Christian journalist and creative writer is to “tell of God’s marvelous works” (Ps. 9:1). And with almost 15 years experience in print and editorial services, God has embedded Melissa with passions gleaned from stories and experiences from the field. But helping women fall in love with the sweetness of God’s Word truly makes her heart sing. Two years ago, she launched HiveResources.com to help women sweeten their walk with Christ through Bible study, missions resources, and more. She recently published a 10-week Bible study,Daughters of the King, to help women find their place in the biblical story. Melissa has a M.Div. in Women’s Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Journalism from Texas A&M University. She and her husband, Jonathan, are currently part of a church plant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have five-year-old twin boys, Zacharias and Jonah, who are unwittingly and joyfully shaping them into the image of Christ.

Want to read more from this contributor? Put her name in the search box at the top.  
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10 Comments
Rosilind link
3/19/2014 04:38:34 pm

What a great article!! I love this. Religion does nothing to change, but relationship - both with God and His people - is certainly life-changing.

Reply
Melissa Deming link
3/29/2014 11:39:21 pm

Yes, Rosilind, exactly!

Reply
Brittany link
3/22/2014 01:33:22 am

You are so right. So many people don't see the point of church, because they think church is just showing up to hear a sermon, when you can just do that at home. But that's not the point of church, and if you only go for that--you are completely missing out!

Reply
Melissa Deming link
3/29/2014 11:40:10 pm

I know, Brittany. It really hard to get people to see that. I pray that more people will begin to push past their comfort zone and plug in to the body of Christ!

Reply
~ linda link
3/22/2014 07:34:13 am

This is so good and hits me right where I needed to be hit! I am glad I saw it as I came for the Friday link-up @ Missional Women. I am blessed.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda

Reply
Melissa Deming link
3/29/2014 11:40:55 pm

I'm so glad you stopped by Linda! You are such an encouragement!

Reply
Kristen Summers link
4/6/2014 09:12:49 pm

So right, Melissa! There are such blessings being involved in a community of faith. Thank you for the encouragement!

Reply
nive link
4/7/2014 01:30:51 pm

Church is not a building,like you said..i wish it was understood and acted upon in faith like that more..such great points Melissa.

Reply
Christina link
4/7/2014 07:47:28 pm

Yes and Amen! We cannot thrive without the Body. Our church needs us. I know I need mine. The support, encouragement, prayer, all help me in the walk of faith. Great post, Melissa!

Reply
вакансии в первом профессиональном институте link
5/14/2014 06:58:21 am

Reply



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  • Home
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    • Free eBooks >
      • Ministry Resources for Women eBook
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      • 1st Samuel {Beholding Him, Becoming Missional}
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