Do We Really Even Need the Church?

“What use is the church?” As pastors we were sometimes asked that question, albeit in various forms. And people had many reasons for giving up on the Church. A trend that grew during lockdowns. Even now as lockdowns are easing, some people still find in-person meetings unnecessary./

It always grieves me when people give up on church, because they often abandon their spiritual walk altogether. And it often begins with thinking, “Is the church really necessary?”

So do we really need church meetings?

There is a growing tendency today to think that in-person meetings are no longer essential. But what does the word of God say? Most of us know Hebrews 10:25 which instructs us to not neglect meeting together. But Proverbs 27:17 is another relevant verse, even if it doesn’t specifically speak of church attendance.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Much of this Proverb deals with friendships. Verse 2, in fact, compares friendship to a honing steel. Rubbing tools against the honing steel sharpens them, making them fit for use. Similarly, the exchange of ideas with others sharpens our character. Our character flaws are laid bare. And this fosters growth, so that we can become useful tools in God’s hands.

This is how The Pulpit commentary states it. Interaction with others influences our manner, appearance, deportment, and character, sharpens our wits, controls our conduct, and brightens our very face.

We need communion

Lockdowns and social distancing taught us that separation from others is neither normal nor healthy. Lockdowns caused mental health problems as well as increased suicides and broken homes. Direct, in-person contact has proven essential to our mental, emotional, and social well-being.

So why wouldn’t it also be essential to our spiritual life? True, we can pray and worship God anywhere. And God can speak to us anywhere, at any time, and through any means.

But the church is more than a place of worship. It’s Christ’s body coming together to grow in Christ and learn together. It’s a community of like-minded people walking the same road. Church also means encouraging and supporting each other. It means helping each other grow.

In-person meetings are essential to spiritual growth

It’s easy to seem Christlike (even if we are not) if we see each other but rarely or only online. But as we spend more time together, pretending becomes more difficult. Our true character comes out. Our pride or selfishness. Our temper or impatience. We say or do things that irk, hurt, distress, or offend each other.

This is one of the reasons why we need to gather in person. The Holy Spirit uses these interactions with others to mold us and make us like him. It is mainly by being with others that we…

• Learn to forgive
• Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit
• Learn to serve
• Develop self-denial and humility
• Live out the love of 1 Corinthians 13

Even though more “meetings” took place than ever before, lockdowns revealed our need of communion, community, and personal contact. They highlighted our need of hugs, uniting hands in prayer, shoulders to cry on, and the fun and laughter of shared meals.

Online meetings can be useful, but they will always be second best. So don’t give up on the church – one of God’s greatest gifts to his people. It is one of our greatest sources of comfort and strength. Life can be hard and discouraging, but we find strength in walking the path together with others.

My cry today is: “Lord, don’t let me drift from your life-giving presence. Keep my heart close to yours, and delighting in your presence. And also delighting in fellowship with my brethren. Help me to always say, “I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Is that your prayer too?

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Psalm 122:1 ESV

Images: Online meeting by AS Appendorf | Church by analogicus | Women artwork by RoadLight.