Why join a church when I can pray at home? Biblical perspectives of Church Membership
1) Your local Church provides practical assistance to the believer during passages of life – birth, marriage, raising families, tribulation, physical death (1 Peter 5:2). All these passages of life are events for which God has provided the church as a means of celebration, support, healing, restoration.
2) For Spiritual covering and accountability (Heb13:17 AMP) The church provides spiritual covering for us. A covering is designed for protection, safety, and securing an environment for personal growth. There is a supernatural grace that connects members of the church to each other and the pastor. Every believer should always seek to be under the safety of a biblical spiritual covering.
3) Church preaching and teaching increases our faith. Romans 10:17 says “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” You cannot consistently hear the word of God and not be transformed.
4) Enables spiritual growth for individual believers 1Peter 2:2 says as new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. You don’t get born again and remain like that, many people believing same thing strengthens your conviction.
5) Renews our minds. Romans 12:2 says Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (hearing the word and obeying)
6) Corrects and protects us. 2 Tim 4:2 says Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. Who does that?
7) Provides prophetic guidance and needed inspiration. Your pastor provides prophetic guidance and motivation
8) To provide opportunities for believers to get involved in the supportive ministry. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor.12:28) It is a calling; a real ministry and the local church provides a great opportunity.
9)To fellowship with other believers. Personal contact with other Christians is not merely suggested by the Bible, it is commanded. Christians have an obligation to fellowship with other Christians. This is not only necessary for discipleship, but so that we can meet each other's needs and encourage and inspire other Christians in their faith (Acts 2:42; 2Peter1:1)
Sis Mandy Adegboyega