What Does the Bible Say About Church Attendance?
Church attendance is essential, not optional.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
This verse makes it very clear that we are called to continue spending time with other believers. And a wonderful place to do this is at your local church.
We are the Body of Christ.
We are the church, which is his body. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Universal Church – positionally identified
Local Church – practically identified
What is God’s plan for the church?
Reaching the Lost with the Gospel. Matthew 16:18 says, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Teaching, Rebuking, & Correcting with Biblical Truth. Matthew 18:17-20 tells us, “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Working Together for the Glory of God. 1 Corinthians 12:21, 26 says, “The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you. ...If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
What are the purposes of the church?
(Acts 2:42-47)
Individual Responsibility—letting the Holy Spirit grow and use you in God’s good work
Fellowship—developing caring and committed relationships
Service—sharing towards each other in times of need & reaching outside the church to show Christ’s love in a tangible way
Worship—ascribing glory to God
Evangelism—connecting people to Christ by intentionally sharing the Gospel message
Prayer—speaking with God personally, regularly, and for one another
Teaching—a great place to ask questions and to learn from others about God’s Word
What are the roles in the church? What is your role?
There are many roles within the church—pastor, youth leader, prayer warrior, worshiper, door-holder, administrative team; I could go on and on. But know this—each role within the church is necessary and important. 1 Corinthians 12:20, 27-31 reminds us, “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.”