These findings shouldn’t come to us as a surprise since God created mankind to be social. In fact, the first thing in all the Bible that God ever labeled as “not good” was that “man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). At the very heart and core of every human being is an intense yearning to find connection and be a part of a community. God knows these intrinsic needs of man best, and He has designed the local church to be the place where these needs are met. The local church is the level of God’s plan where people find their connection to God and others, where they can be cared for physically and spiritually, where they can grow and develop in their walk with Him, and be equipped to minister to others. The local church is the place where we can be shepherded, be mentored and mentor another, cultivate our God-given talents and abilities, gain the skills and receive the encouragement to cope with the trials of life, and forge lasting relationships in the family of God. The local church is a Biblical concept, it is ordained by God, and it is absolutely essential for our emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical health. God calls every person to be associated with and be involved in a healthy local church family. To deny our need for the local church is to deny our need for God, His plan, and His people!
Let’s never again view the local church as being non-essential! Instead, let’s comprehend the vital need for the local church in the plan of God. Let’s discover and embrace our place in this local congregation. Let’s utilize every opportunity to cultivate our relationships in the church and allow this congregation to impact our lives in every substantial way! Let’s attend worship services, be there for our Bible Classes, take part in other church events, and really be a part of the ecosystem of this church. In a world that’s craving connection, let’s find sanctuary in the essential local church!
– Brandon Baggett
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
