Do you know your Church?

   The church, the “ἐκκλησία,” God’s people, are to meet together regularly. The common idea is that we meet together to hear sermons or to lift our voices in praise to God, and neither of these is wrong. But often we miss out on the importance of “meeting together” in order to “encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:23-25) This means people “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
   The purpose of the church is accomplished as people relate to each other and talk together. The personal relationships that God desires within the body called the Church do not occur by sitting in large groups and listening to music or sermons. Friendships are not created when people rush into a sanctuary at the last minute before the service begins (or shortly afterwards because they are late), and leave before the last “amen” (or shortly afterwards). The community aspect of the church is built when people “hang around” and talk to one another. Strong churches are created through multiple conversations that occur between members of the church.
   Through conversations we discover what others believe. But even more important, we discover what people need. The Bible describes the ideal church as one where, “all the believers were one in heart and mind.” (Acts 4:32-37) Christians in God’s Church listen to one another and caringly provide out of their strength for those in need Members know the needs because they listen. There is no one unimportant, but each person is included as part of the conversation.
   The Apostle John wrote, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18) James, the brother of Jesus wrote, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:15-17) How do we know the needs of our brothers or sisters if we do not talk together.
   The culture created in many churches is to be a place where people stop in to a) receive a teaching through the sermon; b) be lifted emotionally and given strength through the music; c) receive a bit of God through the partaking of bread and wine. But this is not the meaning of “Church” or “Synagogue.” The purpose of our meeting together is to become like family. We are to assist and meet needs on Sunday and through the week.
   On a personal note: I have seen the church in action as friends and members come to care for my aged mother-in-law. We employ some as care-takers who surpass the services often provided through agencies because we know them and they know us. I watch a family member who lives across the country suffer because he has chosen to separate himself from the church. There is not a community to call on in his time of need and failing health.