With so many expectations on us, what does committing to a church realistically look like? As we study the early church, we will see God’s intention that the church is to be more than a service you casually attend.
Current Trend
- Devaluing the priority and the purpose of the church has dramatically decreased our expectations and effectiveness.
- Worldly standards have invaded our understanding of church health and spiritual growth.
- We will never experience the full-time benefits of the church with part-time commitments.
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Biblical Example [Acts 2:42-47]
- Available– Mutually beneficial relationships will never be cultivated by occasional gatherings and shallow interactions.
- Willing– Healthy church members realize that membership isn’t always about what you get but about what you give.
- Expectant– The local church provides the proper context for God to say what only He can say and to do what only He can do.
Personal Application
- To prioritize the church, each of us will have to learn how to say either yes, no, or maybe.
- Yes– Train yourself to think of the church as a people to whom you belong and not just a service which you attend.
- No– You will never experience the necessary biblical community if you prioritize an imposter church with an insufficient gospel.
- Maybe– Being the church may not require doing different things but simply doing them in different ways.
What is my next step to prioritizing the church?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.