Main Title: Does a Christian Need a Church?

By Pastor Michael Magbag

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 12:27
New International Version (NIV)

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Here’s a tricky question: Can you maintain a good relationship with God without a local church? Is it necessary to regularly attend a local church? Is it required of all Jesus-followers to involve themselves in His body?

Here is the answer. 

Not being a part of the body of Christ is like this:

A student who will not go to school.
A soldier who will not join the army.
A citizen who does not pay taxes or vote.
A salesman with no customers.
An explorer with no base camp.
A seaman on a ship without a crew.
A businessman on a deserted island.
An author without readers.
A tuba player without an orchestra.
A parent without a family.
A football player without a team.
A politician who is a hermit.
A scientist who does not share his findings.
A bee without a hive.

So what do you think…can a disciple of Christ really be healthy and effective without being a vital part of a local church?

I don’t believe so. Scripture teaches us that the early church met daily. They studied together, ate together, fellowshipped together, worshiped together. This is our pattern. And we are down to gathering once or twice a week! I am convinced that as believers, we are meant to be joined together in heart and presence more than this. Not necessarily in the church building, but our lives should be intertwined. Modern fast-paced living has caused us to forsake fellowship in favour of work, fun, leisure, or family.

Our true family should be the body of believers around us. The body of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is something we cannot abandon.