Why You Need Church

Many Christians don't go to church.  They either never show up, or they attend once or twice a year.  But the church should play a huge role in the life of every Christian.

In the first chapter of Romans (Rm 1:8-15), the apostle Paul expresses a strong desire to go to the church in Rome.  Not only did he desire to connect with them, but he attempted to visit them on several occasions but was prevented.  That same strong desire should be found in every Christian.  Every Christian should have a strong desire to be actively involved in church.  

In that same passage (Rm 1:8-15), Paul gives four reasons for his desire to connect with the church in Rome.  These are four reasons that every Christian needs church, and why every Christian should want to be a part of a church.

1) To use your spiritual gifts.

Paul wanted to visit the church in Rome so he could use his spiritual gifts (Rm 1:11).  God has given you a spiritual gift -- an empowerment for service -- and He has commanded you to use it, and to use it in the context of the local church.  Therefore you should have a strong desire to go to church so you can put your gifts to work.

2) To strengthen the church.

Paul wanted to visit the church in Rome to strengthen them (Rm 1:11).  You should want the same thing -- to make the church stronger and healthier.  But let's be honest; many Christians couldn't care less about the church.  Why should you care?  For several reasons.  One, the church is very important to Jesus, and you are commanded to imitate Him.  Two, the church is the only institution that will last forever.  Three, the church is your family.  Four, the church is central to God's mission on earth.  

4) For mutual encouragement.

Paul was eager to visit the church in Rome not only to encourage them, but to be encouraged (Rm 1:12).  The Bible commands Christians to encourage one another at church (Heb 10:25).  This means that you need a regular dose of encouragement to be a healthy Christian, and the place to get it is at church.  In fact, the Bible says that God is an encourager (Jn 14:6; 2 Cor 1:3-4), and that He encourages (comforts) us in all our affliction.  If that's the case, then why do we need to go to church to get encouragement?  Obviously it's God's plan to encourage us through the ministry of other believers at church.  

5) To be fruitful.

Paul also wanted to visit the church in Rome to be a fruitful Christian (Rm 1:13).  God wants you to be a fruitful Christian (Jn 15:8) -- growing more like Christ (Gal 5:22-23), helping others grow (Phil 1:22-25), and making new converts (Cl 1:5-6).  And the best way to be fruitful is to get involved in church. 

Going to church is not a waste of your time; it is essential for your health and progress in the faith.  From now on, set aside Sundays for God and get plugged into church.