Why Be Church Together?

Why be church together? I believe it is because we need each other. We need each other not only to build together, but to have checks and balances. We are all made differently, come from different social and economic backgrounds, and this produces thought processes that work differently.

We need to blend these backgrounds together to be better informed, we need to be patient and respectful with each other because we are not always going to agree. We must remember that we are an inclusive denomination, one that opens its doors to everyone, and does not exclude because of different opinions.

Now, I understand that in today’s polarizing secular world, that we may have strong opinions one way or the other. And this may cause division in some cases. Take a look at the disciples Jesus chose; fisherman, tax collectors, zealots, tradespeople. Now do you believe they agreed on everything? I think not. But what they did all believe…was Jesus. And when we gather together as one in Jesus. We can minister together better. That is why we need to be church together.

I really like this from Henri Nouwen in his book; In the name of Jesus(P.58-59): “I have found over and over again how hard it is to be truly faithful to Jesus when I am alone. I need my brothers or sisters to pray with me, to speak with me about the spiritual task at hand, and to challenge me to stay pure in mind, heart and body. But far more importantly, it is Jesus who heals, not I; Jesus who speaks words of truth, not I; Jesus who is lord, not I. This is very clearly visible when we proclaim the redeeming power of God together. Indeed, whenever we minister together, it is easier for people to recognize that we do not come in our own name, but in the name of the Lord Jesus who sent us”.

Why be church together? Because we need each other and we need to be church together with our Lord, Jesus Christ.