WHY GO TO CHURCH?

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV)

People often wonder - "What is the importance of pastors, teachers, churches, etc?" I think this passage answers that question quite well.  Let's look what is said:

Ephesian 4:11-16 lists the 5-fold ministries of the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers) with the intended purpose of establishing strong character values in each and every one of us.

1. To equip the saints for the work of ministry - God never intended for you to sit on the sidelines but to get involved in some sort of ministry to others (both in the church and outside).  We are called to serve and help one another.  Leaders of the church should be pointing every person in the direction of helping everyone to lovingly serve the needs around us.

2. For building up the body of Christ - As each of us use our gifts and talents - the church (the Body of Christ) is built up and edified.  If all of us are doing what we're supposed to do - the burden doesn't land on just a few but is equally shared.  There is someone that needs your touch and gift today.

3. That we might all attain a unity of faith - There are so many thoughts and ideas about God, church, life - it is so important that the 5 Fold Ministries lead people into a unity of faith.  Can you imagine what would happen if we were all on the same page - going the same direction?

4. To have a knowledge of the son of God - I want to know all I can about Jesus and what He has done for me and how He wants to be in my life.  I want to know Him more and more and more.  He is my life and He is my God and Savior.

5. To walk in maturity - We need the 5 fold ministries to teach us about growing up and becoming everything that God wants for us.  Those in leadership need to be models and mentors to those they lead.  We need them to teach us to not be like a boat that is tossed by every wind and doctrine, human craftiness and deceit, but that we are solid and stable in the ways of The Lord.

As leaders teach, lead and speak the truth in love - we (God's church) will be strong and able to minister with strength to the needs of people in and out of the church.  As leaders lead, we will be as one - ministering to one another in love and will be the church that God wants and intends.

A church can be shallow and wide or it can be deep and strong.  I want to be part of the church that is growing and maturing and walking strong amidst a sinful and crooked generation.  We've been given the truth and we've been given godly leaders to help us grow and mature and love.

I pray that each person reading this would find that church and pastor that can help them to be what God wants for your life.  If you don't have a good church and pastor - find one that will help you to be a better and stronger Christian.  These leaders are responsible to before God to hold you and themselves accountable to God.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Hebrews 13:17 NIV)