God created us as physical, spiritual, and relational beings.
That is why we all need each other. We are never meant to live this life alone.
This is equally true when you become a new creation in Christ.
Being in Christ means that you are now a member of the body of Christ.
You now belong to a new community!
The Bible uses the image of a physical body to describe this spiritual community to which you now belong. Jesus is the head (Colossians 1:18), and we together make up the complete body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).
The Bible also describes the Christian fellowship as God’s family. God is our Father. Jesus is our (oldest) brother. We are all brothers and sisters.
Finding A Local Church
When we talk about church, we may refer to a building, a legal entity, or an organization. But at heart, a local church is a fellowship (a community on God’s mission) of followers of Jesus.
And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24–25)
As one who belongs to Jesus, you need the rest of the body for encouragement, protection, and growth.
Finding the right church will help you live the abundant life Jesus promised to its fullest extent. Here is a beautiful example of such a church life:
They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Reverential awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. All who believed were together and held everything in common, and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42–47)
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Discipleship
One of the purposes of the church as a community of believers is their spiritual growth and maturity (Ephesians 4:12). Christian discipleship is a life-long journey of becoming more like Jesus in every way. Jesus is the Master, and we are all His students. The context of discipleship is our everyday life. God uses everything in our lives to train us, and the church plays a significant role in our spiritual growth.
Christians are also witnesses to the person and work of Jesus Christ in the world. This is done not only individually but also communally as a local church (or sometimes as a group of local churches).
You are an indispensable member of this community both as a school of equipping and as a witnessing body of Christ. The more mature you are in Christ, the more actively you are involved in the life of the community.
Learn more about Being the Church to One Another.
Select the article series and discover more about the church and you.