Read time 7 minutes

Over the last six months, as our congregation has navigated disaffiliation from our denomination, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, reading, and praying about this entity we call the church. In a world filled with skepticism and a growing indifference towards organized religion, the question of “Church. Why Bother? Why Join?” is one that lingers in the hearts of many.

Let’s face it. The church hasn’t fared so well as of lately. Overall attendance in North America is down. There is a growing sense of disillusionment with the church and countless people who were once “gung-ho” have become increasingly “Meh” about the church.

Whether you were once a very faithful attender, a former pastor/staff person, a skeptic, or someone who is “over and done with” organized religion, or perhaps you are a very loyal follower of Christ with a deep love for the local church, I hope you will allow me a few moments to share a story before I offer a few thoughts on, “Church. Why Bother? Why Join?”

Meet Sarah and Mark, a couple navigating the complexities of modern life, struggling with the notion of organized religion. Sarah, a skeptic of church institutions, and Mark, a young man who grew up in church, but is now a nominal churchgoer, they both, however, found themselves at a crossroads. Disenchanted by the superficiality of their social circles, they longed for deeper connections and a sense of purpose. One day, a friend invited them to a local church, emphasizing it was different—a genuine community of less-than-perfect people searching for more of God.

Reluctantly, Sarah and Mark decided to give it a try. As they stepped into the church, they encountered warmth and acceptance. The congregation slowly embraced them, flaws, and all, fostering an environment where they could be real. Through shared joys and struggles, they – over time – discovered a profound sense of belonging.

Week by week, month after month, as Sarah and Mark engaged in worship and explored the teachings of the church, something transformative began to happen. They found themselves growing spiritually, gaining insights that applied to their everyday lives. The church, once perceived as irrelevant, became a catalyst for personal growth and deeper understanding of God and faith built on Jesus Christ.

One of the turning points came when Sarah and Mark joined a community outreach initiative organized by the church. As they served together, helping those in need, a newfound sense of purpose blossomed within them. Was the church perfect? Absolutely not, but church was no longer just a Sunday ritual—it was a dynamic force propelling them into a life of meaningful impact. Church was no longer a place they went to, but rather it had become an identity that they lived into with others.

Through collective worship, Sarah and Mark experienced a profound connection with a Holy God and they discovered a reason for existence other than one found only in themselves. The church became a sanctuary where they could express gratitude, seek solace, and find hope during life’s challenges.

OK, WAIT A MINUTE! Is this story too idyllic? Too Pollyanna and perfect? While it might sound like it, I don’t think it is. In fact, I believe there are more people with this sort of experience than we’ll ever know about. No, the church isn’t perfect. In fact, it’s really messy, and while that can be highly off putting to a great number of people, what would happen if we – like Sarah and Mark – embraced the imperfection? Let me explain.

The fact that God started the church in the first place with imperfect and messy people should cause us to marvel at the grace of God. God didn’t have to use humanity, but He chose to. The church – despite our messiness – offers a front row seat for the world to see the grace of God in action. Yes, people sin. Yes, leaders act in ways that are “less than Christ-like.” But the vast majority of the New Testament is written to messed up churches with serious problems, which are full of messed up people with serious problems. In fact, the next time you’re frustrated with YOUR church, go read 1 Corinthians.

OK, so why bother joining something that’s so messed up and broken? Here’s three reasons worth considering.

1. A Counter-Cultural Commitment
In a world clamoring for community, genuine fellowship can be challenging because people are inherently selfish, petty, and proud (not YOU, the reader, of course). Yet, this is the community God calls us to, as seen in most of Paul’s letters and Jesus’ messages to specific congregations in the New Testament (CF: Revelation 2 & 3). Making a commitment to church membership is a powerful statement in a low-commitment culture. Unlike many aspects of our consumer-driven society, joining a church is a bold declaration that says, “I am dedicated to a group of people. And, what’s more, they’re dedicated to ME. I am here to give, not receive.” This counter-cultural decision transcends the temporary nature of our preferences and needs.

Joining a local church family is about making a decision and then sticking with it – a rarity in a world overwhelmed with choices. Think of membership like marriage. It’s less about dating churches; it’s about marrying one. So, put a ring on it.

2. Breaking the Chains of Independence
In the West, our independence is both a strength and a weakness. We are free spirits and critical thinkers, but are we running together? Pulling together Western, independent, free-thinking, high-spirited people can be as difficult as “herding cats.” Membership formally declares, “I am part of something bigger than myself. I am not just an individual; I am part of a body.” In fact, that’s what Paul said, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT). As a result, no one part is greater than the whole.

3. Accountability and Growth
Church membership keeps us accountable. I know, that’s not a word that feels warm and fuzzy; but by joining a local church, we offer ourselves to be encouraged, taught, corrected (if necessary), and to go forth to serve Christ. Joining a church is an opportunity to grasp hold of each other in responsibility and love, creating a shared expectation of commitment in worship, giving, growth, prayer, and service.

Scripture commands Christians to submit to their leaders (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13). The only way to do that is by publicly committing to be members of their flock, and saying in effect, “I commit to listening to your teaching, following your direction, and to submitting to your leadership, as you – the leaders – submit yourselves to Christ.”

There’s no way to obey the scriptural commands to submit to your leaders if you never actually submit to them by joining a local church. By doing so we foster a commitment to mutual growth in Christ-likeness.

Let me return to our fictitious couple, Sarah and Mark. In their story, we witness the transformative power of God’s Spirit working through the messiness of human people (AKA: the church). What began as skepticism and nominal attendance evolved into a profound sense of belonging and purpose. As they stepped into the genuine community of imperfect, yet sincere people, Sarah and Mark discovered that the church was more than a periodic Sunday offering; it became an identity woven into the fabric of their lives.

Through shared fellowship and discipleship experiences, worship, and community outreach, they found spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God’s love. The church, flawed but impactful, became a place of hope and gratitude.

I believe Sarah and Mark’s story reminds us that, in the complexity of modern life, church membership can be a compass guiding us toward meaningful connections, personal growth, and a purposeful life grounded in communion with Jesus Christ and the other members of his body called the Church.

We Are the Church.

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