Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it.
Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[which he bought with his own blood.
Col 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstbornfrom among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Right now Ken and I are praying about starting a virtual church. We both feel God is calling us to create a virtual space where people who are unable to attend their local church can come and worship God with fellow believers. In the process of starting up this church family, we want others to understand how important a local church is in every believer’s walk. There may be times, especially as a person with a disability, where your attendance is not possible. But overall, we believe, as dysfunctional as church may seem at times…it is a crucial part of our walk with christ.
Before I say why I think God wants us in church…I want to talk a little more about why church may seem to be dysfunctional. Think about it for a minute…you have all these sinners, saved by grace. Without a doubt, that includes you and me. We don’t have anything in common except our desire to worship God. You put humans together and ask them to complete tasks..with little money ((because churches usually do not have a surplus of funds), very few extra hands, (because often people do not want to volunteer) and of course make these people decide on what would be the best way to do something…with everyone having a different view point. I know I am exaggerating again, but think about it…there will be strife in a church.
Now let’s focus on why I believe it is important to God. Matthew 16:18 tells of how Jesus took time to build the church. Would Jesus waste his time doing this if it was not important for us as believers? Even if you feel vulnerable or alienated at your neighborhood church…think about how Jesus took time to invest in building up the church.
Acts 20:28 says that Jesus shed his blood for the church. Would he have endured this intense suffering for a meaningless place? Our suffering from feeling rejected and isolated is nothing in comparison to what Jesus endured.
Col 1:18 refers to Jesus as the head of the church. Jesus would not be the head of something that was worthless. God wants us to spend time with fellow believers in worship and fellowship. As we do this we give God all the praise glory and honor.
It is my prayer that you find a church that you can feel at home in. Take the time to search out the churches in your area and see where God is leading. God will bless your willingness to worship Him with fellow believers.