Beyond Sundays: The Impact of Church on Life
When you have newly joined the Christian faith, one piece of advice any good spiritual leader will give is that you should not stay away from church. If you have already received this advice, I encourage you to take it to heart. Born and raised in a Christian household, I attended church biweekly for most of my life. However, I didn’t fully understand why Paul advised the church not to forsake fellowship until I experienced a period of absence from church myself.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.
Hebrews 10:23-26 NKJV
Recently, I moved to a new city and struggled to find my footing, making regular church attendance a challenge. While streaming services has helped me stay connected to my faith, I’ve come to realize the importance of in-person fellowship with other believers, just as Paul understood. In this post, I’ll share some key takeaways from my experience about why church matters.
- Love and fellowship: Gathering with fellow believers is essential because it allows us to experience the power of love and fellowship. In this community, we support, uplift, and encourage one another, sharing in each other’s joys and struggles. Through worship, service, and shared experiences, we demonstrate God’s love and live out our faith in meaningful ways, growing stronger together.
- For protection and strength: Being part of a community of believers provides protection and strength, as we stand together, support one another, and lean on God’s guidance and care, helping us navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and hope.
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.
I Peter 5:2 NKJV
- For accountability and correction: Community with fellow believers provides accountability and opportunities for gentle correction, allowing us to grow in humility, wisdom, and maturity as we spur one another on in our walk with God and help each other stay on track.
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17 NKJV
- Toward spiritual growth: Through connection with fellow believers, we find a nurturing environment that fosters spiritual growth, provides encouragement and accountability, and guides us toward maturity in faith and a deeper relationship with God.
Ultimately, the church matters because it provides a community where spiritual growth can thrive, where believers can find love, support, accountability, and opportunities for growth, helping us mature in our faith and deepen our relationship with God.
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