Why Church? (Part 2)

My husband has taught “Children’s Church” for a number of years. It’s a lot like Sunday School, as the children are taught Bible lessons and participate in age-appropriate activities. However, Children’s Church takes place during the regular adult church service—and lasts as long. Often, when service runs longer than usual, a grumpy child will ask my husband, “When is church over?” His patent reply is, “Church is never over. Because YOU are the church.” I often wonder how many adult Christians know this.

The church is a body of believers who come together at an appointed time and place to worship the Lord. As a “body”—just like the human body—each part is essential. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul constructs a beautifully vivid picture of what it means to be part of the body of Christ.

We are all part of the body, and each of us plays an important role in the church. There are some who have obvious responsibilities, such as the pastor, deacon, usher, and trustee. But even those of us who sit in the pews have a part. We participate in singing the praise and worship songs, we bring tithes and offerings, we unite in prayer, and in some churches we “turn to your neighbor” as the preacher instructs during the sermon. Whether you are at the “head” or just a “foot” in the door, you are essential to the body of Christ.

But what happens when a part of the body becomes injured? I can tell you from personal experience that there’s no hurt like church hurt. But do you know that God is a Healer? Through prayer and forgiveness, He can help overcome the pain, and make us stronger for it. In Hebrews 10:25, Paul says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Why church? Because you are an important part of the body of believers.