What It Means to Belong to a Church, Part I, Introduction

Church Family,

There are many people who go to church, but there are far fewer who belong to a church. The difference is a matter of community and commitment. 

People who just go to church do so because they are trying to do a good thing. They want to live a good life and so they figure that church should be a part of it. However, the problem for them is that there are a lot of good things to do, but not a lot of time. So, they attend church only once or twice a month...or year. They fall away because those other good things compete for their time and interest. They are drawn away.

Later, these same people may try going to church again. Maybe they fell away because the church they attended was not interesting enough. Maybe it just wasn't helpful enough as they are trying to become better people. So, they try going to a different church with a more attractive building, music like what they hear on the radio, bigger and better activities for the kids, positive and encouraging messages. Surely, with all of these features, church will keep their interest and they will keep coming every week, right? Maybe, but there will still be something missing. 

When you look at this description, you'll notice that just going to church is low on community and commitment. 

There's a different way to engage with church. Sometimes people say they belong to a church. Others say that they are members of a church. Some people refer to their church home. Here at FBC Harrah, I call you all my church family. Belong, member, home, family...these are all very powerful words which involve community and commitment. These words are heavy on relationship. Scripture favors this kind of engagement rather than simply going to church.

Consider again the picture of the church right after its birth:

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their numbers day by day those who were being saved. 

Acts 2:42-47

These early Christians did not just go to church, they were spiritually transformed people who gave themselves to Christ and to one another. They belonged to each other like members of a body. They became a spiritual family, their fellowship felt like home. Probably none of us have been a part of a church which demonstrated such community and commitment, such sacrificial love and celebration of Christ. Yet, the Bible sets this example before us as the goal for every church to become.

Over the next several weeks, I hope to spell out what it means to belong to a church. I want to discuss topics like how we share our beliefs and how we serve, worship, and learn together. As we talk about the meaning of the local church, a picture of the early church should always come to mind.