Our world today is consumer-driven. Everything is about what we want and how we want it. Our society says, “Have it your way.” We have multiple options for everything in order to fit every desire. Just walk down the chip aisle at the store or go to Starbucks – not just one bag of chips or one coffee, but every creation you can imagine to fit a consumer’s desire. We want what we want when we want it. From food to entertainment, it is all about us. Businesses focus on the consumer, and we grow up thinking life is just all about us.
Many people bring this mindset into church. The first question they ask is, “What can this church do for me?” While the church does so much for all of us, the first question every Christ-follower should be asking is, “What can I do for God’s Church?” This is a paradigm shift, but also a game-changer in your spiritual life.
I think it is so important to join a local church. Being a member or a “partner” in a local church matters. This is spiritual growth and maturity. It is so easy to be a consumer in today’s society, but we can’t bring that mindset into our spiritual life. Church is not all about you – it is about God. It is about His redemptive story in the world today. The local church is the vehicle by which God accomplishes His work in the world. The local church does so much for each of us and our family, but when you move from a consumer to a contributor this is where life change happens! You make a commitment and people know where you stand.
Every Christ-follower in the Bible was a part of a local church. Wow, that tells you something right there. The apostle Paul spent his life planting local churches. He even died for Christ and for this commitment. How committed are Christians to their local church today? Our first spiritual commitment comes when we give our lives to Christ (this is salvation) it is by the grace of God we are saved. Then, comes our next step, baptism. Being baptized follows our salvation experience – “Repent and be baptized,” as Peter told the people at Pentecost in Acts 2:38. After we commit our lives to Christ and are baptized, then we are called to join a local church. This is how God designed His people to grow spiritually.
God designed the church to be a family. In a family, there is a relationship and a commitment, a bond. Some people say, “Well, I like God, but I don’t like the church.” But, the church is the “Body” and the “Bride” of Christ. The church is not perfect, only Jesus is perfect. The church is deeply connected with Christ. Jesus loves His Church! People saying they are a Christian, but not a part of a church is like someone saying, “I’m a football player, but I am not on a football team.” It doesn’t make sense. Or, “I’m a soldier, but I am not in the army.” Jesus and the church go together. This is where a Christian is discipled, encouraged, strengthened, and matured.
At Rolling Hills, we have a Partnership Information Class for people who want to learn more about being a part of the church. At Rolling Hills, we call people “partners” instead of “members” (either is fine). Sometimes when we hear the word “member” we think of a Country Club. And, at a Country Club, everyone is there to serve the members. This feeds into our consumer mentality. Yet, in God’s Church, the members should be there to serve others. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:12-21) to set an example for us to follow. As Christ-followers, we join the church to bring glory to God and to serve others. Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel…” Philippians 1:3. What a joy to partner together to do God’s work!
Recently, we had a Partnership Information Class at church, and the pastor leading the class asked everyone how long they have been coming to Rolling Hills. Most people responded 1, 3, or 6 months, but one couple said, “We have been coming for four years. We are just now coming to this class because we have commitment issues.” Everyone laughed. I appreciate their honesty, and I believe that is where a lot of people are today. But, for us to grow spiritually, joining a local church is important. We are not just called to “date” the church, but to commit.
I have a daughter preparing to go to college in the fall. I have already told her to find a local church and join the church. She has been at Rolling Hills all her life. She loves her church, and I love that she is a partner here. But, I want her to find a local church in her community where she can grow, serve and be a part of the Body. I want her to be a contributor and not just a consumer. Every church is unique. Once you find a place that teaches God’s Word, prioritizes Christ Jesus, blesses you with godly relationships, and serves the local community and the world in missions, then lock in.
I am so thankful for the local church in my life. I had an amazing church growing up with an awesome children’s and student ministry that helped ground me in the Word of God. The church shaped me spiritually and saved me from making some really dumb decisions during my teenage years. In college, a local church helped me grow spiritually and gave me a love for missions. The local church does so much for us and for our family. Worship, God’s Word, friendships, community, discipleship, counseling, love, grace and so much more. But, remember, it is not always about us. It is about what we can do for a God who has given us His own Son. Let’s lock arms with other Christ-followers and serve Him together. Let’s not just talk about it, but let’s be God’s Church today. Let’s grow God’s Church and see God impact the world for His glory.
Find a local church and join! You will be so glad you did, and God will too!
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