We all get busy. Life throws obligations at us from every direction. However, we must be careful to prioritize what matters most.
Jesus used the Parable of the Soils to describe how the “cares of this life” can hinder us (Matthew 13:3-9). A man sows seeds (the Word of God), but the seeds are destroyed in various ways. In one example, thorns rise and choke out the new plant, the Word. Jesus explains the thorns represent the cares of this life. Not disturbing or abominable sins, just everyday concerns that replace our first priority. We are to seek first the kingdom, but life sometimes gets in the way.
One key way we see the kingdom is by participating in the local church. We don’t just get involved because there are consequences when we don’t. We become part of a local church because God calls us to an abundant life, which we cannot receive without joining the body of Christ. But what are some more specific ways we gain abundant life from a local church? What reasons does the Bible give to prioritize the family of God?
Here are seven reasons to get involved in church even when our schedule is full.
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1. Community and Fellowship
The Lord doesn’t call us to live Christianity in isolation. We need community and fellowship. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes this: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Gathering with other believers, we encourage and support one another.
God is within himself a relationship. The mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one—reveals the importance of friendship. The only aspect God considered “not good” in the Garden of Eden was Adam being alone. Being made in the image of God, that perfect creation required Adam to have a relationship with someone like himself and yet distinct and complementary, Eve. Adam didn’t need Eve because of sin. On the contrary, God designed them that way.
In the new covenant and the church, no part of the Body of Christ can say to another, “I don’t need you” (1 Corinthians 12:1). This redemptive community reflects the original design—by the Spirit, we need one another because we’ve been redeemed. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are a spiritual family, more eternal than our blood relatives alone (although we hope they are saved, too).
Together, we combat loneliness and isolation, finding support for our spiritual growth into God’s purpose for us.
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2. Spiritual Growth
Active participation in church activities, such as Bible studies, sermons, and discussion groups, provides a structured environment for deepening our understanding of Scripture and Christian principles. This regular engagement with God’s Word fosters a more profound spiritual maturity and a closer relationship with God.
Colossians 3:16 highlights the importance of this mutual edification: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Communal learning and teaching enrich our faith. Through participating in church, we can learn from others and share our insights, creating a dynamic and supportive environment.
Teaching within the church is also a powerful tool for personal spiritual growth. Taking on teaching roles challenges us to study the Bible more diligently and clearly communicate our faith. This process not only strengthens our own understanding but also inspires and educates others within the community. Engaging in teaching transforms theological intellectualism into practical applications, making faith more relevant and actionable. The church community provides accountability and encouragement, essential components for spiritual growth. Fellow believers can offer support, guidance, and constructive feedback, helping individuals stay committed to their faith journey despite busy schedules.
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3. A Space to Use Our Spiritual Gifts
Each of us possesses unique gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit, intended to serve and edify the church community. Participating in church activities allows individuals to discover, hone, and employ these gifts for others’ benefit and God’s glory. Since God gave us spiritual gifts for Christ’s Body, we can’t find or develop them apart from the church.
A spiritual gift isn’t a natural talent. God imparts supernatural abilities from the Spirit, beyond our human abilities, for mutual edification. These gifts, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Romans 12:6-8, and Ephesians 4:11, include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. Each gift serves a unique purpose and contributes to the unity and growth of the Christian community. Using these gifts effectively ministers to one another, build up the church, and advance God’s kingdom.
1 Peter 4:10 underscores this responsibility: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.” This verse emphasizes that spiritual gifts are not meant to be kept idle but actively used to serve the church and its members.
Regular involvement in church offers practical opportunities to develop these gifts and find a deeper sense of our purpose. This active engagement also allows for mentorship and feedback from more experienced members, further refining and enhancing these abilities.
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4. Worship & Praise
Spiritual disciplines find more power when done with others, especially corporate worship, prayer, and praise.
Matthew 18:20 emphasizes the power of gathering together: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” God is always present everywhere, but Jesus manifests more in communal worship. When we unite in worship and prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among us, bringing encouragement, healing, and spiritual growth.
Psalm 133:1 further teaches how beautiful and strong unity can be: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This verse celebrates the harmony and blessing from believers living and worshiping together. The psalm compares our unity with the High Priest’s anointing oil. With Christ as our high priest, this represents the Holy Spirit’s anointing upon us when we practice these disciplines. Jesus even teaches how God’s answer becomes more sure when two or more agree in prayer (Matthew 18:19).
Participating in corporate worship allows us to join our voices in praise, lifting our hearts in collective adoration of God. This shared experience enhances personal faith and can lead to profound spiritual encounters. Group prayer connects believers, allowing us to intercede for one another and share burdens.
Our full schedules shouldn’t isolate us from the power and transformation available when we participate in corporate praise and prayer.
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5. Service Opportunities
Serving others is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting Jesus’ teachings and actions. By participating in church-led service projects, we can impact our communities and embody Christ’s love.
James 2:17 emphasizes the importance of active faith: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Engaging in service opportunities, such as feeding the homeless, supporting local shelters, or participating in mission trips, brings this principle to life. It allows Christians to practice their faith in concrete, meaningful ways.
Involvement in service activities helps address pressing social issues and alleviates suffering. Many churches organize outreach programs that provide food, clothing, education, and medical care to the underserved. By contributing time and resources to these initiatives, we can help meet a community’s physical and emotional needs. These opportunities provide personal growth and fulfillment. They encourage us to step outside our comfort zones and engage with diverse populations.
In addition, serving alongside fellow church members fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. It strengthens the bonds within the congregation and builds a supportive network of people committed to making a difference. This collective effort amplifies each person’s contribution, showing the power of unified action.
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6. A Reminder that God Is Our Source and Provision
Many times, our schedules become full because we try to provide for ourselves. Taking time to get involved in church reminds us that God is our source and provision, as we see in the Sabbath principles. Regular church attendance and participation reinforce the truth that our sustenance and well-being come from God, not from our efforts alone.
Exodus 20:8-10 emphasizes the significance of the Sabbath: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.” This commandment teaches the need to set aside time for rest and worship, acknowledging God's role as our provider. Under the New Covenant, we aren’t bound by a specific day, but the deeper principle remains. By attending church, we intentionally take a break from our busy schedules to focus on worship and rejuvenation.
Involvement in church activities helps us recalibrate our priorities, ensuring that our relationship with God remains at the center of our lives. True rest and provision come from trusting in God rather than constantly striving on our own. Taking time for church fosters a healthier work-life balance. It provides an opportunity to disconnect from career pressures and reconnect with our faith community, family, and ourselves. A work-then-rest rhythm is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
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7. The Great Commission
Jesus gives a universal command and mission in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Attending church isn’t the end goal. We are sent from the church community to the world. Active participation in church life teaches us how God sends us to others and enables us to engage in this crucial work.
Church involvement provides numerous opportunities to share the gospel and disciple others. We can spread Christ’s message to people who have not heard it through organized outreach programs, mission trips, and community events. These structured activities make it easier to find ways to witness.
God’s family trains for discipleship, offering resources, education, and mentorship that equip believers to grow in their faith and to help others do the same. Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, and discipleship programs provide the tools and support for effective evangelism and spiritual mentorship.
The church community acts as an outpost of heaven, the kingdom culture here on earth. Church involvement allows us to model Christ-like behavior, showing the gospel by how we live instead of what we say. This visible testimony can inspire and encourage others to seek a relationship with Christ.
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Originally published Wednesday, 07 August 2024.