Daily Christian Journey

The Importance of the Local Church

In today’s society, where individualism is on the rise, it’s easy to overlook the significance of being part of a local church. However, the church is not just a gathering of people; it’s a community that plays a vital role in our spiritual growth and development.

The Marks of a Church

To qualify as a church, three essential marks must be present: the preaching of God’s word, the administration of ordinances, and the ministerial care and oversight of the church. These marks are universally accepted and practiced in God-centered, gospel-centered churches. They serve as the foundation of the institutional nature of the church.

The Organic Nature of the Church

While the institutional marks of the church provide the skeletal system, the organic parts of the church flesh out the frame. A biblically based local church should include seven essential elements:

1. Corporate worship
2. Prayer
3. Discipleship
4. Leadership
5. In-reach (nurturing one another)
6. Outreach (witnessing to others)
7. Fellowship

Raising Disciples

A local church raises up God’s children through both its institutional and organic natures. The church nurtures God’s children through preaching and teaching, counseling, pastoral care, ministries of mercy and service, and authentic relationships.

The Kingdom of God

A proper definition of the kingdom of God requires five elements: a royal, a reign, a relationship, a rule, and a realm. The Bible explains these elements as follows:

1. Jesus Christ is the King
2. He reigns over all creation
3. He calls forth a people to redeem and govern
4. He establishes his rule through God’s law
5. His kingdom is actualized and embodied in the church’s life and witness

Church Membership

Church membership is a discipleship mechanism that administers the formal relationship between a Christian and the local church. It involves affirmation and oversight of a Christian’s discipleship by the church and submission and participation in the local church by the Christian.

Finding a Local Church

Every Christian should look for a church close to home, developing a “parish” mentality. While proximity is important, theology should not be compromised. Each Christian should develop biblical convictions about first-rank doctrines and second-rank doctrines, which are urgent to the practices and procedures of a church.

Conclusion

In summary, being part of a local church is essential for our spiritual growth and development. We should seek to fully enter into the local church’s ministry and family, pursuing formal membership and actively participating in the life of the church. By doing so, we can reflect the kingdom life that is to come and make visible what is invisible.