Why Go to Church?

Throughout history membership in a church has been a regular practice.  Christians recognized that regular attendance and participation in a local church was important.

In our modern erra this has changed. Today, many people who call themselves Christians don't see the need for regular, weekly fellowship or commitment to any one particular church.

But the Scriptures have quite a bit to say about the need for affiliation with local body of believers.  For instance, we find that it is necessary...

1. To be identified with Christ and formally associated with His people

• The Church is identified in this world by professing believers and their children. One makes profession of faith in the local church publicly, before God and his people, and so becomes part of the visible church which is the manifestation of invisible and universal church (Rom. 10:9-11, Rom. 16, Col. 4:15, WCF 25.2). 

 

• In order to partake of the full benefits of the family of God, there must be a way to identify those who are part of that family.  Publicly professing membership is the means to that end.

 

• In the Old Testament those who were identified as the people of God were members of the nation of Israel.  Gentiles who were converted became citizens of that nation.  In the New Testament the people of God are identified as the Church.  Therefore, those who are in Christ have responsibility to identify themselves with this body.

 
2.  To take part in the sacraments.

• The Lord’s Supper and baptism are for those who have made credible profession of faith and placed themselves under the authority of the Christ’s shepherds. 

 

• The table of our Lord is for those who demonstrate a life of repentance and are in good standing with the Lord.  In order to be in good standing with the church (1 Cor. 11).  

 

• Baptism is a sign of entry into the church (Acts 2:38-41; Matt. 28:19).  

 
3.  To come under the care and authority of the Elders.

• Christ has charged certain men with the duty of shepherding His people.  These authorities manifest Christ’s care in the world (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2).   Scripture mandates a Christian to subject himself to these authorities because (Hebrews 13:17).  

• The terms for the church in the original languages mean ‘called out ones,’ thus denoting their duty of holiness.  The elders and church body provide encouragement toward and accountability in this endeavor.

• Church discipline requires elder oversight and membership.  If someone is excommunicated, it means being cast out of the church (Matthew 18; 1 Cor. 5; Titus 3:10)

 
4.  To be united in full fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoy the rights and privileges of the church. 

• Christians are to edify one another with their gifts and graces (1 Cor. 12:12f): Teaching, governing (elders), helping (deacons).  This is best done when there is a distinct commitment for regularly meeting with one another.  Everywhere Scripture talks about gifts it assumes a united body (Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12)

 

• A Christian is to care for his brother, encourage them, and demonstrate specific acts of love and good works on their behalf (Gal. 6:2, 1 Cor. 16:1f, 1 Thess. 4:18, John 13:34,35).  

5.  To advance the church in the world

• Missions takes organization and coordination of resources (Phil. 1:5, Matt. 28:19,20).  If people neglect membership then evangelism is hindered.

 

• Christians are to participate in the election of officers, calling of pastors, and other administrations of the church (e.g. budgets).  Voting in the local church can only be done in and through membership.

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