Dull or Sharp?

What makes the local church an important part of our lives? You may answer: the preaching or teaching, worship through a preferred musical style, kids and youth programs, the felt “spiritual” fervor, prayer, the coffee served, and of course the opportunity to tithe. “Amen Brother”, respond my pastor friends.

You may identify other areas, but in general each local church is unique in its corporate voice of worship, Biblical teaching, prayer, and service. Christ-centered churches of all sizes, in diverse communities, in homes, schools, in traditional or contemporary buildings have a unique “voice”, and specific role in the greater Christian community.

One of the central aspects of “church” is relationships. Healthy, Christ-centered relationships are essential in our life journey. We desire relationships that break through the outer crust of simply talking about weather, sports, or work and seek authentic, life-giving friendships. We all desire relationships that will encourage, strengthen, equip, and bring joy to one another. Solomon stated this principle in Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

In a world that seeks authentic relationships through social networking, bars, clubs, sports, or work, I think the local church is THE place to find open, real, caring, lifelong friendships. At the Journey Church we connect, as a purposeful value, by encouraging one-to-one relationships, Connection Groups, age-level classes, Family Fun Nights, special events, and set aside time each Sunday AM service with coffee and muffins to build those life-giving friendships. Christ-centered relationships are the interwoven fabric that protects, strengthens, and beautifies the church.

What is it that makes the local church an important part of our lives? What brings you back to your local church week after week? It is more than just showing up and listening to worship music, and hearing a good sermon. You can get great teaching/preaching through books, the internet, TV, radio, and you can listen to inspired praise and worship all day long. It is more than good programs for men, women, kids and students or special performances and events, and it is more than music style and liturgical preference. I would argue that what makes the local church important, unique, strong and beautiful is the relationships that are cultivated within. Someone just might answer, “What makes my church a valued and important part of my week?....You!”.