The rise in the number of individuals who no longer attend church services is a growing concern for many spiritual leaders. Perhaps many of these individuals have become disenchanted with the church due to a range of reasons, such as hurt, disappointment, or disagreements with church practices. Unfortunately, it is common for people to give up on church attendance altogether but refuse to abandon other institutions, including their jobs, doctors, and lawyers.
A person might have a bad experience with a new doctor, but they may still seek medical attention in the future. They may switch to a different doctor in the same practice or find a different practice altogether. However, they still believe in the importance of medical care and understand that not all doctors are alike.
Similarly, a college grad may have a disappointing experience in their first job, but they will not give up on the entire profession. Instead, they may continue looking for new jobs or opt for additional education to advance their career. They may understand that the job market is volatile and not all positions and employers are alike. Therefore, they are willing to give other job opportunities a chance.
Unfortunately, the church has become the only institution that people totally abandon when things go wrong, and that it deserves another chance. Let’s draw upon the scripture to explore the power and purpose of Christ’s body and offer hope in the message.
The Church is the Body of Christ
The church is the Body of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. While Christ is perfect, many of His followers are far from perfect. If the truth be told, you aren’t perfect either. No one is. There may have been instances where abuse, hurt, or even crimes were committed within the church. However, God’s church still stands and outlives all of these things. The general population does not abandon all lawyers if a lawyer is arrested for criminal activity. The same is true for the church. We should deal with any wrongdoing but not lose sight of the church’s true purpose.
Christ’s Mission for the Church
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)
Matthew 25:35-40 reminds us of the church’s true mission. We are commissioned to minister to the least in society; we are to be the hands and feet of Christ. Our ultimate goal is to take care of those who are hungry, naked, sick, and those in prison. This is the reason why the church exists – to be God’s kingdom on earth. We take care of those who need it most and offer healing to them; in doing so, we serve Christ Himself.
It is time to recognize that the church is a shining light to the world. It has been a tremendous savior for billions of people for over 2,000 years and must be given a fair chance. Christ’s followers are imperfect people who come together in community to worship God and to support each other. They aren’t perfect people who claim to have everything figured out, but humble individuals who trust in God’s grace and seek to walk in His ways.
Far too many people fail to recognize how much of a blessing the church has been throughout the years. We often focus more on the negative than the positive. But did you realize the church has been the driving force in helping people in society? Yes, we come together to worship God and give our time, talent, and treasure. But we also put our mission into practice.
Just look at a few of the ways the church has helped people throughout the years:
- Healthcare: Many of the world’s largest healthcare systems and hospitals were founded by faith-based organizations. These institutions have provided medical care to millions of people, often for free or at a low cost, regardless of their religious beliefs.
- Social Services: Churches have played an integral role in providing social services to their communities, including food banks, housing and shelter for the homeless, job training and placement programs, and addiction recovery programs.
- Education: Throughout history, churches have founded educational institutions, from primary schools to major universities, to provide education to people of all backgrounds. These institutions have significantly impacted the development and advancement of knowledge and culture.
- Humanitarian Aid: The church has provided humanitarian aid during times of crisis, such as natural disasters, famines, and war. They have offered food, water, medical care, and shelter to those in need and have played a crucial role in the global fight against poverty.
This is just a short list of how much the church has done and continues to do in our world. That is why we come together. That is why we support and strengthen one another to do the most good for the world. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” We cannot make excuses for not attending church; instead, we should encourage each other to do so, especially as we await Christ’s return. With all that is happening in our world today, it is even more important to encourage people to embrace faith in Christ and to become a part of the church.
If you haven’t been in church for a while, I want to challenge you to revisit the idea of attending. The community may have changed, or your perspective may be different, but the church remains a place of salvation, strength, and stability. We welcome you with open arms and look forward to experiencing the blessings of worship and fellowship with you.
We Are One Body
We encourage you to give the church a chance. We hope these few words have renewed your perspective on the power and purpose of Christ’s body and reminded you of its essential role in ministering to the world. We leave you with the following quote from 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” The church is more than a place of worship; it is a community of individuals seeking to glorify God and serve others. Join us, and together, we can make a difference in the world.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, September 1, 2023