Church, We NEED to do Better

 As I was writing my blog last week, stating how my friends and family have shown up for me, I couldn't help but bring to mind one group that describes itself as "family" that I haven't heard from. My church "family." If I'm honest, this subject has actually been on my mind off and on for several years.  Most recently, there was an issue that arose in our local church, and I haven't been able to come to a conclusion in my own mind. I have been praying about it and trying to redirect the thoughts that I know are not in line with what the Bible teaches. Humanly, and having felt this way before, I'm having trouble working through the purpose of gathering with a large congregation. 

A friend shared the following quote on Facebook this week, "Thinking you can be a Christian without being part of a local church is like thinking you can be a soldier without being part of an army. We need the accountability and fellowship of other believers." (Credit: Trevor Sheatz) I do believe this is true because I also know that Hebrews 10:24-25 (CSB) says, "And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching."  What about, though, when your accountability and fellowship come from bible-believing friends and when you are provoked to love and good works from family members, none of which attend my same local church?

There is something wrong with many churches in America (besides the gradual shift away from actual Biblical teaching that is happening in SOME churches, but that's a subject for another day). We are told as we start attending a new church, that we should join a small group and serve in a ministry in order to get connected with other congregants. However, in my 32 years of attending church as an adult, there is literally one friend that I met through my local church that I am still connected with today. By "connected," I mean we check in with each other and know what is currently happening in the other person's life. You can sit in a group with people, discussing deep topics and biblical ideas, but when you pass those same people in the church lobby, it's like they don't remember who you are and I simply do not understand that.

As I said from the beginning, I have not had closure with this in my own mind, so I am not going to come to a conclusion here. I'm not going to stop attending my local church as I've attended church my entire life. The worship and the message from the Word are important to me. Please also know that I am not placing blame on any other individual. If I've experienced this for years, and within different church buildings, I'm willing to admit that some of the fault lies in my own hands. Maybe my personality doesn't allow church friendships to grow. What I am hoping to point out and make you think about by writing this, is if you are part of a local church body, please look for those quiet people who stand off to the side by themselves. If you have a social personality, go over to them and make conversation. It might be awkward, but I guarantee 100% it will make that person feel seen and like an important part of that church. I am also calling myself out. I need to come out of my comfort zone and do the same thing that I'm asking you all to do.

May we give grace where grace is needed but, my fellow Christ-followers, we NEED to do better!