52 Reasons to Connect With a Local Church
“Karen Friday is a pastor’s wife passionate about the local church, women’s ministry, and sacred callings.”
This is the first line of my newest bio for a book proposal my agent and I plan to pitch to publishers soon.
And the main change conveys my passion about the local church.
Why?
The local church is a sacred institution set apart for God and His people. Because the church is not just a building or meeting place, but literally the people of God…the body of Christ.
Perhaps there are those who feel my passionate sentiments are required or expected in my role as a pastor’s wife. Maybe a burning passion for the church seems like the ultimate job description for a pastor and his wife, and all staff members.
But like passion for anything, it starts deep in our heart. Still, the main thing I want you to know: Not only is this passion meant for those called to various church positions, but also for every person who answers the call to follow Christ.
Passion for the Local Church
So here are 52 passionate reasons to connect with a local church. I share Scripture references for some of my list.
(1.) God commands us to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8)
(2.) The Bible tells us not to forsake gathering together with other believers. (Hebrews 10:25)
(3.) We were never meant to do life alone. (Acts 20:7)
(4.) There’s just something powerful about the corporate worship of a Holy God. (Psalm 34:3)
(5.) It creates community in our lives.
(6.) Connects us with other Christian wives, moms, dads, students, and so on.
(7.) The preaching of God’s Word.
(8.) Equipping for service in the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
(9.) Serving in the local church and in God’s Kingdom. (Galatians 6:10, Matthew 23:11)
(10.) Using our spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12)
(11.) Fulfilling the great commission as one body. (Matthew 28:16-20)
(12.) Mission work locally and globally. (James 1:27, Matthew 25:34-40)
(13.) Vision and resources to reach people with God’s love.
Connecting With a Local Church
The local #church is a sacred institution set apart for #God and His people. Because the church is not just a building or meeting place, but literally the people of God…the body of Christ. Share on X(14.) Helping spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 52:7)
(15.) Raising up the next generation to carry on the church.
(16.) Modeling the importance of church to our kids and family.
(17.) Making friends and building relationships. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
(18.) Growing our faith.
(19.) Maturing as a Christian. (1 Timothy 4:8)
(20.) Walking alongside each other during tragedy and celebration: funerals, weddings, and births.
(21.) Praying for each other.
(22.) Strengthens our marriage, family, and existing relationships.
(23.) Provides Christian mentors for men and women on Christian living from a biblical perspective. (Titus 2)
(24.) Discipleship as modeled by Jesus. (Matthew 4:19-20)
(25.) A place to belong.
(26.) Like-minded tribe. Maybe we have tribes at work, in a bookclub, or with a specific hobby. But there’s nothing like a tribe of other believers in the local church.
(27.) Biblical counseling. (Proverbs 11:14)
(28.) A church family. Our spiritual brothers and sisters in God’s family. (1 Peter 2:9-10)
Benefits of the Local Church
Maybe we have tribes at work, in a bookclub, or with a specific hobby. But there’s nothing like a tribe of other believers in the local church. #church #Tribe Share on X(29.) Small groups or life groups.
(30.) Children’s ministries.
(31.) Ministries for men.
(32.) Women’s ministries.
(33.) Bible studies.
(34.) Student programs.
(35.) Trips, retreats, and conferences.
(36.) Fun fellowships. Even fabulous food like home cooking—need I say more.
(37.) Freedom to praise God and talk about Him.
(38.) A place to seek truth. (John 4:24, 17:17)
(39.) Answers for life’s questions.
(40.) Hope for a hopeless world. (Colossians 1:27)
(41.) To carry each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)
(42.) The privilege and blessing to join a ministry team. Examples from our church, Believers Church: outreach, shock and awe (prepare the environment in lighting, technology and security), children, prayer & care, WOW (making people feel like they’re right at home in our church), follow up (reaching out to visitors), life group, missions, and worship.
Reasons to Connect With a Local Church
(43.) Christian love. We’re not perfect (only Jesus), but we strive to love with the same love God extends to us. (1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 4:11)
(44.) Shepherding and teaching from pastors, and spiritual leadership from church staff. (Hebrews 13:7, Ephesians 4:11-14)
(45.) Meeting each other’s needs in a practical way. Meals, house-cleaning, and childcare during illness, surgery, and so on.
(46.) Encouragement on our walk with Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Colossians 3:16)
(47.) Gentle nudges to get back on track with God. (Galatians 6:1, Jeremiah 24:7)
(48.) Forgiveness and mercy when we mess up because we all serve a God of second chances and countless chances.
(49.) Spiritual accountability on the things of God. (Proverbs 27:17, Romans 14:12, Hebrews 13:17)
(50.) Refuge from the world’s opinions, injustices, and persecution.
(51.) Spending time with people on earth who we’ll spend eternity with.
(52.) God’s presence is with us. (Matthew 18:20)
I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1 #church #churches Share on XWhich reasons resonate most with you? What reason would you add?
*Learn more about my passion with ministry in the local church on my About Me page.
*Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:
Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Kingdom Bloggers/Literacy Musings/Tell His Story/Purposeful Faith/Abounding Grace/Welcome Heart/Recharge Wednesday/Porch Stories/Destination Inspiration/Worth Beyond Rubies/Tune in Thursday/Sitting Among Friends/Heart Encouragement/Embracing the Unexpected/Fresh Market Friday/Faith On Fire/Dance With Jesus and Faith and Friends.
© 2019 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
Oh my!!!! Karen, what a thoughtful and exhaustive list. I love it. Your encouragement is so true. In a time when it is easy to be isolated or disconnected from being active in community, these verses really do point to God’s desire for each of us to join, connect, heal, and grow, in the community of our local church. Thank you for your passion and love for Christ!
Thanks so much, Lisa. It is easy to isolate ourselves or listen to the lies of the enemy that we are just fine on our own as a Christian. But it just isn’t true. We need each other and a strong community as we walk out our faith together.
Such a good list Karen. Definitelly think they are beneficial for everyone. Thanks for you time in compiling this awesome list!
Yes, the benefits of doing life with our brothers and sisters in God’s family far outweigh the community we find other places. Thanks for commenting!
Good morning, Karen, what a gift this post is. Thank you for pouring your heart of Jesus into us. I pray right now for God to publish your book in His will and His way. In Christ, Julie
Oh, thank you for the prayers over my book, Julie. I’m not only trusting the Lord with all the details and timing, but also that He receives all the glory as it encourages readers. So thankful for the local church and the freedom to praise the Lord openly and publically in God’s house!
Great Post Sister the key part is asking the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right one. Sounds like your Church family is awesome!! Great post thanks for the encouragement.
Agree, Stephen. We should not take it lightly where the Lord would have us serve and worship with other believers. A place where He is lifted up and God’s truth is protected.
Just before I read this article I read one by a 50 something man who was lamenting the loneliness he is experiencing in his life. He works from home because of his fear of the toxic office environment (part of the real point of his article), his marriage of 25 years is on the rocks, and his sons are in college. He goes to church every week but finds it empty. No relationships, unbiblical teaching, not invited to work, etc.
I fear for him, and others like him, that they do not take the initiative. If the church we are in is not biblical, move. But, if it is, we need to step up and look for our part in it. Using our gifts is our responsibility inside the church – not the church’s responsibility to draw them out of us. We Christians need a fire ignited under us to get us out of our comfort zones and onto the battlefield for Christ. Now, if we only knew how to start that fire!
(As you can see, I am passionate about this, too! May the Lord help us.)
Beth, how sad for that gentleman. And I couldn’t agree more about the right, biblical church. I heard someone say once that there are biblical reasons to change churches, but not to church hop. So while some people stay at an unhealthy church, or stay away from church altogether, this is the other extreme we sometimes see. People going from church to church looking for what the church can do for THEM, for the right programs, and where they can hear feel-good sermons and the pastors tickle their ears. Instead, the Bible describes it as a community of exercising our spiritual gifts and serving and not having our own agendas. Amen about the Lord igniting a fire under us! Yes, Lord! Help us move from comforable to the front lines for the sake of the gospel!
Hi Karen. I like this list. It would be interesting for individuals focus on 1 per week and see if it makes a difference in their appreciation for the Church. How would we change after 1 year? I think if I were to add something, it might be to learn grace and partnership while working alongside people we don’t click with, or with whom we don’t see eye-to-eye. I know those experiences are prodding growth in me. Thanks for another practical post.
That’s a wonderful idea, Stephen. Focusing on one reason each week and letting it grow our appreciation for the local church. And I relate to what you added. We certainly won’t be besties with everyone, and we may butt heads with people from time to time and see things differently in how to do a particlular project or ministry. Learning grace is so vital and sure to grow us!
Wonderful list Ms. Karen. While my greatest strength comes from God, it is that weekly gathering of my brothers and sisters in Christ that gives me the boost I need to survive the times I am in the world. Great list ma’am. I pray each day that God might use me to help lift a load or ease a burden of one of my fellow workers for Him.
Oh, yes, J.D. I need that weekly boost from my church as well. While we want to stay in an intimate relationship with the Lord, drawing from the well that never runs dry, we need our church family to help us along the way as we spur one another on to good works in the Lord’s name, and as we help carry each other’s burdens. Good word, thanks for sharing!
One of the first things we do when moving to a new town is to find a church. Visiting churches and making new friendships truly blesses us.
Melissa, I know others who are the same way. Moving to a new town, means finding a church. I’m glad you realize the importance of a church and the blessings you receive! That’s how the Lord meant for us to think about the church…His bride…with complete fondness.
This is absolutely critical in our growth as Christians. We must be connected in real time to a local church. However, I echo Beth’s sentments, we must be very, very careful these days about which church we attend. The churches in my immediate vicinity no longer believe or follow the Bible. So we have to drive farther than we would prefer. But it is worth it to hear God’s Word preached and gather with other believers who desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. We are stronger together than we are alone. Praying for your new book! Bless you!
“Critical in our growth as Christians.” Amen, Melissa, Amen! And I agree with you and Beth. It’s all about preaching the Word, holding fast to God’s truth, implementing God’s agenda, fulfilling His kingdom purpose and the great commission, and growing as a believer as we encourage each other on the spiritual journey. Someone pointed out to me yesterday, how there’s an influential Christian author who has been on the best selling list, etc., who says he doesn’t need church. How sad he is sending that message to believers and nonbelivers. Thanks for shairng your great thoughts and for your prayers over my book.
What a comprehensive list, Karen! And all are excellent reasons to belong to and get involved with a local church. We are not meant to do this Christian walk alone!
Blessings!
Martha, I only came to realize all these valuable reasons for connecting with a church over the last five or so years. Now, when I think about community, friendships, serving on teams, reaching the lost and the least of these, discipleship, mentoring, worshiping together, and so much more, I can’t imagine life without my church family! Thanks for commenting!
Wow! Your introduction is perfect!
The local church is so important (and easy to dismiss amid what appear to be bigger Christian callings.) But God has so many good things for us in the church, as the Church.
I shared about the church this week too!
Rebecca, thank you. God DOES have so many good things for us in the church and that’s how He intended it for us all along. We hear so much these days about having a tribe. Maybe we have tribes at work, in a bookclub, online or with a specific hobby. But there’s nothing like a tribe of other believers in the local church.
Karen,
I’ve served in the church for over twenty-five years. There have been times of frustration and hurt (like with any family), but I continue to serve and attend because of the many reasons you have listed. What a wonderful list!
Another reason is that Jesus called the church His bride. I heard a pastor say that we cannot love Jesus but despise his bride. Jesus cares deeply for the church and so should we.
God bless you and your husband for the many, many behind the scene things that you do. My son is an associate/worship pastor and I know he does so many things that go unnoticed by most. But he is not serving the church to be noticed. It was a call. I’m so glad God has called special people like you and your husband to lead.
Great post!
Hey Beckie, I love that thought of how we cannot love Jesus but despise his bride. So true! Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement. Like you, and most people, serving in the church is not without hurt or difficulty. But I do know the blessings far outweigh anything I’ve had to endure. That’s awesome about your son’s call! I pray the Lord uses him in a mighty way!
Such a wonderful, comprehensive list Karen. The church I lay pastor has only 15 people, maybe 20 on a good Sunday. A wonderful congregation, spiritually healthy, though mostly elderly. A spiritual family where we learn, grow and encourage one another in God’s Word. The biggest challenge for me as shepherd is to work a secular job to provide for the family and be that spiritual leader for the congregation. And try to avoid burnout. I know some areas on the list I need to do better. I know the Lord knows the needs, He is the one who designed the Church. He will provide the needs.
I respect your heart to serve as a pastor and be bi-vocational, Carl! My brother-in-law does the same thing. Burnout would be easy, and is for most pastors across the board. Sounds like your congregation is healthy, and glad to hear you are committed to encouraging each other with God’s Word. And, yes, what God creates, He helps maintain and manage. When we seek Him and His ways, our churches will thrive and not just survive (or worse). Praying for you and your needs. I so appreciate you taking time to read this post and share your great insight and personal experience. That always brings a lot of valuable input to the conversation! God bless!
So much wisdom here, Karen!
Believers in the early church would have been flabbergasted to think that we might try to do the Christian life apart from the church gathered!
Seriously, Michele! The early church is a great model for us to remember and look to for guidance on how it’s done…together with other believers as one unified body functioning under Christ as the head.
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Great reasons, all! I’ve added this link to the two posts I share frequently about Why and How to go to church. You’ve provided a wonderful resource here, Karen! Thank you for compiling this list of 52.
Melinda, I appreciate you adding this post to your church posts. Awesome! My heart now, and how I hope it stays: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!'” Psalm 122:1
This is a great list. When my husband, who is also a pastor, was elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer in the state we live in, we had to resign our church since this new post is a full-time job. I lost my community when we left our church. I missed that more than anything. We travel to different churches most Sundays, so it’s difficult to have a church community right now. But reading over your list made me homesick for what I had experienced most of my life. We are glad for the opportunity to encourage many churches in our District throughout the year. It’s what we are called to do for now. But I will be forever grateful for the local church and look forward to actively being a part of one again one day.
Hey Anneliese, I see why your present situation makes you homesick for a closeknit church community. But, yes, how wonderful you are able to encourage many churches and see a variety of churches in action. It is a calling “for now,” and the Lord will sustain you and your heart as you serve Him. Remember…one day. 🙂
Hi Karen,
Thank you for your beautiful insights, your research and your passion for Jesus, penned on paper. Your site is beautiful and your writing is heart-felt. God bless. Carol Castagna
Aw, your sweet note of encouragement caused tears of joy, Carol. Thanks so much for your tender and soul-stirring words. Blessings and anointing over your site and writings.
This is excellent. Even though I was raised going to church, when I became an adult I spent many years thinking I only needed a relationship with God and not a connection with the church… I could worship him alone, in nature, etc. While it’s true I can worship Him alone, that is only ONE way! There is an extraordinary blessing in worshipping God with others. The Holy Spirit flows through a big body all focused on God in such a powerful way. Plus the teaching and accountability are critical for growth and discipleship… PLUS the service opportunities. I can go on and on. Thank you for this reminder.
It is so easy to fall for the mindset of worshipping and walking with God alone. And how we’ll be just fine. But oh how we miss out on the things you mention, the extraordinary blessings of one big body focused on God.
Karen: love this and appreciate the time you took to post this.
I like them all — but especially
(48.) Forgiveness and mercy when we mess up because we all serve a God of second chances and countless chances.
(49.) Spiritual accountability on the things of God. (Proverbs 27:17, Romans 14:12, Hebrews 13:17)
Well done
Del
Thank you, Del. You are a great encouragement and blessing to me. I, too, celebrate the forgiveness and mercy of a local body and a God of countless chances. And not sure where any of us would be on our spiritual walk without any accountability…most likely not where we are WITH it! Appreciate your input! Blessings!
Karen, what an extensive, spot-on list! I have found great encouragement in our church body…both from our pastor and ministry staff, and from the friendships that have grown there.
Our pastor teaches verse-by-verse from the Bible, and the Lord gives him deep insights to share with us. And friendships . . . the Lord has gifted me with a circle of friends I’ve dubbed my “go through life” friends. We’re doing life together…from dealing with troubled teens under our rooves, to walking with one through the unexpected death of her daughter, to celebrating birthdays, children’s weddings and accomplishments, to personal struggles…we pray for each other and walk alongside each other. They are truly a gift.
Life would be so much more difficult without our body of believers!
Good to hear how much your church means to you, Jeanne. Glad you have a great tribe of friends to do life with. These kind of friends are the best and truly the gift you talk about. I often say how I don’t know how people make it without the Lord OR a good church!
This is a great list, Karen! God has given us such a treasure.
Hey Barbara, thank you. I like how you said God has given us a treasure in the church. I pray we really see the church in that great light!
I love the thought you’ve put into this, Karen. I believe the local church is important, but you’ve mentioned things I’ve never even considered. 🙂 (I hope the book-proposal pitching goes well!)
Thanks so much about the proposal and blog post, Lois. And glad this article on the church encouraged you. Appreicate you commenting!
This is a wonderful list! I work for a church in full-time ministry. I’m feeling tired with all, the, things… Your post has reminded me of the reason why I show up each day. Thank you for the encouragement. It is truly a privilege to be part of building the family of God.
So awesome you have that calling on your life, Christine. And it is easy for those working in the church and on the frontlines of a ministry to burn out. I pray God is your sustainer as He pours into your soul what you need to pass on to others in your position. Thanks for sharing your expereince and thoughts!
This is just too good!! I love the scripture references too. Definitely sharing this post!
Thank you for your encouragement and for sharing, Katie. I pray God opens our eyes to ALL the great reasons to have a local body of believers in our lives!
[…] last week’s post, I wanted us to know the 52 Reasons to Connect With a Local Church. While I never intended to publish another “list” article so soon, my plans changed. […]
I confess that although on an intellectual level, I agree with your list, I’m an introvert and many of the items don’t appeal to me ;). My main ministry outlet is my classroom (I teach at a Christian school, so it CAN be my outlet), the mentoring I do with students, and my blog. Those three things about wipe me out.
Hey Anita, appreciate your thoughts and insight. Glad your experience with your teaching job and ministry gives you part of the connection God designed us for. Yet, I can’t get away from the truth of how God created us as relational beings for community in His family in an organized body of Christ. When we look at how the New Testament church functioned, it’s a picture and a model of what God intended for us all! If it wasn’t important, none of those scriptures or the churches listed in the Bible would even be part of God’s Word. Our church has many introverts as part of our community as I surmise most do, and they contribute their gifts in their own unique way. That’s what makes the local church diverse and beautiful and powerful.