Why Unite with a Local Church?

“I have heard it said that there is only one Church and it is “the” Church for which Christ gave His life; that local church membership is not necessary for one to worship his creator; that one can worship alone just as well as with a bunch of people. As a side note here, let me ask, “Is a meal more enjoyable while dining alone or with someone we love?”  

 

I would never be so bold as to disagree that there is “The Church of Christ” and it is “the” true Church and that it is made up of all those for whom He died. It may even be safe to refer to it as “The Kingdom of God” here on earth. However, we must understand that it would not or could not be feasible for all of God’s people to be gathered together into one venue, at least not while here on earth. Therefore, God made a way for his people to be “assembled” for unity and worship. It is called the local church, which is made up of a united membership of those Christians who live in close proximity of each other. How do we know there is more than one of these churches (or institutions)? We need only to look to scriptures:

 

“And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily”.

Acts 16:5

 

Do we not find that most of Apostle Paul’s letters or epistles were written to local churches in certain geographical areas?

For Example:

The churches of Galatia I Cor 16:1

The churches of Asia 1 Cor 16:19

The churches of Macedonia 2 Cor 8:1

The churches of Judaea Gal 1:22

This is only referencing a few…there are many more.

Also, notice the “es” at the end of church each time it is referenced? We all learned very early in grammar school that this means there is more than one.

 

So I must stand in disagreement with those who say that church membership is not needed for a fruitful spiritual life and has no bearing in worship. It is my belief that those who profess a hope in Jesus Christ should commit themselves to a band of God’s believing children, joining together with them by covenant agreement or promise. This is not debatable or argumentative. Again, it has been established and confirmed throughout the scriptures.

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed (or attempted) to join himself to the disciples (a unified group) Acts 9:26. It seems as if Saul (or Paul) was entreating those disciples (not yet called Christians) to be a part of their Godly community (or church). They were very hesitant at first to receive him; thinking he was not really a disciple, but we read  that after hearing the testimony of Barnabas, he was received of them. We see later in Acts 9:31 “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”

 

Please understand that placing one’s membership in a church is not merely putting a name on the roll. It is “legally” joining oneself to those others who are already in a promised commitment with each other for the purpose of uplifting the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this present world.

 

When we present ourselves to the church for membership, we are making a promise to those who are already established members, assuring them that we are now ready to bind ourselves with them and to them; that together we will be one body in Christ.  (Notice it is not referred to as bodies but body, singular). Local churches are living organisms that are made up many parts or members Rom 12: 4-5, I Cor 12: 20 et al.)

 

 One might say, I don’t need the attachment to others (or membership) to be a part of the church. My answer is this: Does not the arm nourish the hand? The hand separate from the arm is not part of the body. The hand may be near, even touching the arm, but without the attachment it is still not of the body. The hand without the arm (or body) will wither and die even though it remains close, even within reach. Again, there is no nourishment outside the body. One cannot grow or flourish in a proper scriptural or spiritual manner outside the body of the church.

 

There are those who do not care for the responsibility of any commitment that goes along with holding membership in a local church or any group or band of people for that matter. This way if any disagreements should ever arise (since we as humans are involved, the potential is always present) they don’t have to worry about becoming involved because in reality, they have no real ties. If things begin to get rough, they can just walk away. Legally, they are not bound by membership that church.

 

The invitation, or as we call it, “publishing an open door to the church” is not an effectual call to repentance or the call of our Lord that gives life to the dead. This call goes out from those of the church body as they are holding out their arms to the penitent and restless souls, desiring them to come into the love and security of the church family.

 

Why not become a “member” of the church body, by uniting with it. Let us praise our Lord together. Let us rejoice together, and if need be, let us suffer together, but always keep this in mind; whatever may come, whether enduring times of suffering or times of rejoicing we will do it together!

 

Sam Everett