Alone you are small

Again and again, on more or less all Christian websites, the question pops up: “Do I, as Christian, need a Church/Must I, as a Christian go to Church?”

This question always comes from people who, in the very next sentence, want to motivate why they don't belong to a Church. One was disappointed by his former church, he was treated poorly, the other has been trying to find the perfect church for years or decades, and the third is searching for the correct teaching and no Church meets his criteria.

In short, I think being a Christian without being a Church member does not work. The Scripture for today also says that even the first Christians remained steadfastly in their Church community. In Hebrews 10:25 we are urged not to stay away from Church meetings.

What are all the objections about then? I think, it is necessary for each person to first become aware that he is a sinner and not a perfect person. If I then find a perfect Church and join it – then it won't be perfect anymore, because I, as a human being, am imperfect.

When I first believed, I also spent some time looking for a Church. Sure, every Church group differs, the people are different and there are different doctrines. But, I must not stop looking – I have to decide which Church suits me best, with regard to my personal and doctrinal beliefs.

We will only have the perfect Church later on in heaven. For now, we need to contend with other people. And the general appearance of the Church is also up to each individual.

It certainly happens now and then, when one changes or the Church changes, that one decides to go to another Church. However, you should give it a great deal of consideration. Especially when there are problems, I am particularly challenged in my Church. People who change Churches for every little thing, for whom Church-hopping has almost become a hobby, should consider whether the problem doesn't perhaps lie within themselves.

There are also problems in my Church, even here there are conflicts and friction. However, when we try to solve the problems with love, many problems don't appear as big as they did at first.

To sum it up: You can pray in the quiet of your inner room, but your faith can only be lived out in Church where you enjoy fellowship with other Christians.

Do you have a permanent Church?

I wish you and your Church a blessed day.

Rainer Gigerich