“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.” — Billy Sunday
It’s a humorous quote, but it carries weight.
Church attendance alone doesn’t transform anyone. But don’t miss this: the Church was God’s idea. And if it was His idea, it is good.
That said, when you gather a group of redeemed, but still imperfect, people together, it can get messy. God never asks us to clean ourselves up before coming to Him. So the Church is filled with sinners who are learning to follow Jesus. We are growing in knowledge. Growing in obedience. Growing in love.
And in the middle of that growth, we get to celebrate what Christ has done, what He is doing, and what He will one day complete when we are united with Him in glory.
So what is the Church’s purpose?
And what are we missing if we choose to “opt out”?
Let’s go to Scripture.
The Universal Church
The New Testament word for church is ekklesia: a gathering, an assembly, “the called-out ones.” It refers not to a building, but to people who, by faith in Christ, have entered into a new relationship with God and with one another.
The Church is global. It stretches across nations, languages, and generations. It is founded on the finished work of Jesus, His death, resurrection, and ascension. It lives now by the power of the Spirit. And it looks forward to His return.
The Church exists to proclaim the reign of God through the teaching of His Word and through the faithful practice of what He has commanded.
Jesus’ Relationship with the Church
Scripture uses powerful language to describe Jesus’ relationship to the Church.
According to Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:18, Jesus is the Head of the Church.
That means He leads it.
He nourishes it.
He directs it.
The Church does not belong to personalities, preferences, or trends; it belongs to Christ.
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, “I will build my church.” Not “you will build it.” Not “culture will shape it.” He will build it.
How are we counted among His people?
- In Acts of the Apostles 20:28, we are described as His flock.
- In Colossians 3:15, we are called into one body.
- In 1 Corinthians 12:13, we are baptized into one body by one Spirit.
We don’t drift into the Church. We are brought in by grace. On Sundays, when I am welcoming the newcomers, I make comments like, “I don’t believe it’s an accident you’re here, but that God has a reason He drew you here today.”
Yes, we make decisions to go or not to church and gather with God’s people. But I also believe that God works mysteriously regarding our desires, hopes, and dreams for a better world, influencing them to draw us into communion with Him.
The Local Church
While the universal Church spans the globe, it expresses itself locally.
All around the world, believers gather to worship, learn from God’s Word, practice fellowship, pray, and reach others with the gospel.
A church is not a building. It’s not a logo. It’s not a business model. Buildings and systems can be helpful tools, but they are not the Church. The Church is the people who follow Jesus.
In Acts 2:42, we see what defined the early church. They were devoted to:
1. Teaching
Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19–20 that we are to make disciples, teaching them to obey all He commanded. The Church guards and proclaims this truth.
2. Fellowship
1 John 1:3–4 reminds us that fellowship flows from shared life in Christ. We are connected vertically to God and horizontally to one another.
3. Breaking of Bread (Communion)
In 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, we are told to remember Christ’s body and blood. Communion anchors us in the gospel.
4. Prayer
Colossians 4:12 shows believers laboring in prayer for one another. Dependence on God is not optional; it is essential.
When these rhythms are present, the Church is healthy.
An Organized Church
Scripture also shows us that the Church is not to be chaotic, but cared for.
In Ephesians 4:11–12, we see different leadership roles given to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Leaders exist not to control the body, but to equip it.
Elders / Overseers
According to 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9, elders must demonstrate godly character, sound doctrine, and faithful leadership at home. We trust leadership not because of charisma, but because of proven character.
1 Peter 5:1–2 reminds elders to shepherd and oversee willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain.
Deacons (Leaders and Directors)
Also in 1 Timothy 3:8–13, deacons are called to integrity and faithfulness. Their role supports the practical and spiritual health of the church, encouraging love and good works (see Hebrews 10:24–25).
But leaders are not the only ones with responsibility.
As members of Christ’s body:
- Hebrews 13:17 calls us to trust and respond to godly leadership.
- 1 Corinthians 12:25 calls us to care for one another.
- Galatians 6:6 calls us to support those who teach.
Following Christ is not a spectator sport. It is a shared responsibility.
Fellowship & Unity
Without community, we drift, and often don’t realize it.
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes togetherness:
- Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us not to neglect meeting together.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 reminds us that two are better than one.
- Galatians 6:2 calls us to bear one another’s burdens.
In Philippians 2:1–5, we are urged toward humility and unity of mind.
In Ephesians 4:2–3, we are told that humility, gentleness, patience, and love promote unity.
Unity doesn’t happen accidentally. It requires deliberate obedience.
Corporate Worship
When we gather, we worship.
Book of Revelation 4:10–11 shows heaven declaring that God is worthy because He created all things and by His will they exist.
Psalms 66:4 declares that all the earth worships Him.
Corporate worship is not performance. It is a response. We gather because He is worthy.
Ordinances of the Church
Baptism
Jesus commands baptism in Matthew 28:18–20. In Colossians 2:12, we see that it symbolizes being buried with Christ and raised back to life through faith.
Baptism is a public proclamation. It identifies us with Jesus in His death and resurrection (see 1Corinthians 15:3–4). It marks a new life and a new identity.
If you have trusted Christ and have not been baptized, this is your next step of obedience.
Communion / The Lord’s Supper
In Luke 22:14–20, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper. The bread represents His body. The cup represents His blood poured out for sin.
Communion is remembrance. It is a proclamation. It is a solemn and joyful reminder that through His suffering and resurrection, we are forgiven and made new.
A Word on Marriage
While not an ordinance like baptism or communion, marriage reflects the gospel. Scripture presents it as a covenant designed by God, a living picture of Christ’s love for His Church (see Ephesians 5).
When lived according to God’s design, marriage becomes a testimony of unity, sacrificial love, and covenant faithfulness.
Bringing It Home
So let’s ask the personal questions.
Are you part of the body of Christ?
How are you plugged into the life of your local church?
Is there anything in your thinking or behavior that doesn’t align with God’s Word?
The Church is not perfect, but it is purposeful.
Jesus founded it.
The Spirit empowers it.
The Father dwells among it.
And we are invited, not just to attend, but to belong, to serve, to grow, and to reflect Him together.
Church was God’s idea.
And by His design, it is one of the primary ways He shapes us and reaches the world.
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If this post encouraged you, take a moment to share it with someone who might need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and love today. Each chapter of Faith Basics builds on the next — helping us not only understand what we believe, but also why we believe it.
Join us next time as we continue our journey through the foundations of the Christian faith, drawing closer to the God who reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Spirit.
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