The Value of the Local Church

Sometimes I get so annoyed and frustrated with the church. It is easy to look out from my Bible College nerdy-ness and see all the ways that the church is falling short of their mission, their purpose, their marching orders. It is far too easy to look at my church body and see all the things that I wish we were doing differently.

Sometimes I see another local church body and I think: “dang, I really like the way they are doing that ministry. Maybe I should join them.” I’m tempted to think that by going to a different church all my frustrations would be solved. Maybe if I go to that church I’ll be content…

But you know what the problem is? Every church is full of sinful, yet saved, humans. We all will hurt each other. None of us will ever fully live up to the calling that God has on his church. We are all fallen. And even if there was a perfect church, I would mess it up if I attended. Because I’m not perfect. I’m lazy when it comes to spiritual disciplines. I harbor anger toward fellow believers at times. I’m scared and make excuses about doing meaningful outreach.

No church is perfect, so moving to another local church body won’t solve my problems.

The other thing I realized is that this church is my family. We are brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters in Christ. We share a bond deeper and stronger than human blood: the blood of Christ.

I’m reminded of this truth when a kid I’ve been teaching in Sunday school comes up to me with a big smile and a hug. Or when a couple in the church invites a group of college students into their home for a meal. Or when the church holds a small prayer and worship night and we sing and pray together. Or when I am able to rejoice with those who are doing ministry in their circles of influence. Or when I grieve with those who have lost loved ones. Or when I stand with my church gathered around me, praying over me as I am about to embark on another overseas adventure.

Yes, this local church body is my family. And families shouldn’t just break apart. Families are messy, because families are made up of humans who sin. But the families who endure through the mess, who strive to love each other when life gets yucky…those are the strong families.

Back to the “Bible College Nerd” comment above…there is a reason that my school requires students to be involved in local church ministry. The reason is simple: ministry will humble you. It’s the perfect balance to the knowledge I’m gaining from classes. When a three-year-old asks a question or makes an observation I haven’t thought of before, I realize just how much I still don’t know about scripture. When I spend time around the prayer warriors of my church, I recognize how much growth I still have left. And when my church family gathers around me to pray for me, I realize how much I need them and the love of God they put on display.

No, my church isn’t perfect. No church is. But it is family. It humbles me. And it is right where God wants me to be…and I am perfectly sure of that.