The Local Congregation

Post-modern Christians have little use for the local congregation. For them, it’s simply “me and Jesus.” But Holy Scripture knows of no such thing as “me and Jesus.” To be a Christian is to be a child of God, a son of the Father, and therefore part of a family of believers. Families gather together to talk, to listen, to eat, to share burdens, to help one another, to rejoice, and even to weep. God’s family gathers together for these same reasons, and more. Below are ten examples of why the local congregation is vitally important to the Christian.

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why does Jesus call a group of disciples—a congregation!—to follow Him (Matthew 4:19)?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why does Jesus establish the Office of the Ministry (John 20:21-23) to baptize and teach (Matthew 28:19-20), preach the Gospel (Romans 10:14-17), administer the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), care for the church of God (Acts 20:28), and give instruction in sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why does Jesus place His authority in it as the bearer of His Word of truth (Matthew 18:17)?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why do the apostles organize congregations where the Gospel is preached and the Sacraments are administered (the book of Acts)?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why do the first converts on Pentecost devote themselves “to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42)?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why does Saint Paul address nine of his epistles—Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians—to congregations? Why does Saint John address the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the seven congregations in Asia Minor?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why does Saint Paul call it “the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15)?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why does Saint Paul encourage us to “do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10)?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why does Saint James encourage those who are sick to “call for the elders of the church” that they might pray over them (James 5:14)?

If the local congregation is unimportant or unnecessary, why does the author of Hebrews encourage his readers to hold fast the confession of our hope and stir up one another to love and good works, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some” (Hebrews 10:25)?

While many other examples could be cited, these ten demonstrate why the local congregation is vitally important to the Christian. Simply put, the local congregation is where God delivers His good gifts to His family, to you and me. So come and join this family. We are not perfect. Nor are we sinless. Like you, we are broken, in need of Christ. We are sheep who need the Good Shepherd. We are sinners who need His forgiveness, life, and salvation. And there’s always room for more, for there’s always enough Jesus to go around!