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Who Needs the Church? Nobody?
When a friend or neighbor invites you to church because of the fellowship ... You may remember how difficult it was to get to the inner circle of your parents' church, but what great fun you have with the Sunday morning golf foursome. When a friend or neighbor invites you to church because of the inspirational music ... You may remember how the organ always reminds you of a funeral home, but how upbeat your latest compact disc sounds. When a friend or neighbor invites you to church because of the pastoral care ... Maybe all you can think of are the loud, moralizing TV preachers, but you remember the compassionate nurse who spent time with you in the hospital. When a friend or neighbor invites you to church because of the nice people there ... You may remember how bad it felt to be "shushed" as a child in church, but how welcomed you feel by the people at the recreation center. When a friend or neighbor invites you to church because of the great worship ... You may remember how you counted the church rafters during long sermons, but how awestruck and happy you felt after seeing a great movie. When a friend or neighbor invites you to church ... You might not want to go.
So why do people like your friend still go to church? And what are the other people there like?
Some people go to a church because they want religion or values for their children. Others seek help with life's questions of meaning. Some are lonely in a new community and hope to find new friends. Others are thrilled at the birth of their first child and wish to learn about baptism for the baby. Some are in love and want a church wedding. Others have lost their jobs and are terrified of the future. Some have recently divorced. Others come simply because a friend invited them and they didn't want to say no. Church members are young and old, single, married, widowed, and divorced. They are rich, poor, and middle-class. They come from every culture and ethnic background. Most people come to church because they are looking for something. It might be approval from a parent. Others are looking for guidance to help them raise children. Others wonder about the suffering in their life or the life of someone they care about. Some people are seeking a deeper life with God. Others are hoping to strengthen business connections. Everyone is looking for something.
So people are looking for something. What's so special about the church?
The lucky ones find friendship, good music, and caring people in the church. But more important, everyone gets a chance to glimpse God. It is God who calls people together in the church. God's love, mercy, and kindness are offered and shared in the church. There, in songs and sermons, Bible readings and prayers, God reminds people that they are the children in whom God delights. There, people are reminded that God cares deeply for them, just as they are. There, people can experience the love of God through Jesus Christ in the good and the painful times of life. In the church, God works hard to help people catch a glimpse of the passion that God has for all of creation. Maybe you sense it! Maybe you want more. Maybe that's why you are reading this leaflet.
But why should you go to church?
No one is saying that you should! But you might want to go to church to build a deeper and richer relationship with God. Since Jesus has promised to be wherever two or three people are gathered in his name, you can ask him about the purpose and meaning of your life in Bible study, prayer, and worship at church. In the church, you can talk with other people who are seeking God's help and healing for their lives. You can ask for help along the way. It will take some getting used to. Our world seems to run on power, certainty, and control. The church, on the other hand, might seem weak, unclear at times, and often unable to stay away from the worst that the world has to offer. Yet the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the head of the church. This simple statement brings the laughter of delight and amazing hope to many of God's people who know Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior. Behind all the good intentions to offer friendship, inspirational music, care for all people, and uplifting sermons, the people of every congregation know that they sometimes fail miserably at these things. They know that golf can be more fun, that compact discs can at times provide better music, that friends met through the recreation center may be best friends, and that some health-care workers provide richer care for people. But they trust God to forgive their shortcomings, to make their hearts sing, to give them joy beyond the happiness that the world can so quickly take away, and to provide care even through the doorway of death. You see, the people at church are proof that this God, revealed to us in Jesus Christ, is not stumped or put off by the failure of people to get it right all the time. This God gathers all kinds of people together in the church to help and to heal them. Then God sends these people into the world to share the love and kindness that they have received.
Who needs the church?
Probably nobody needs the church. But everyone needs God. Maybe now is the time for you to seek God in a new way and place. Maybe now is the time for you to come to church. Stop by soon.
LEAFLET MINISTRY SERIES Writer: Randolph W. Barr Design: Koechel Peterson & Associates Illustration: Judy Swanson Copyright © 1994 Augsburg Fortress 3456789 Augsburg Fortress 23-9966
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