What Is the Church?
The Church––coming from the Greek word ekklesia, meaning “assembly” or “called out ones”––is the richest form of community you can participate in. The Church is not a building, program, or service. It is the collection of people who have been forgiven of their sins by grace through faith because they believe in the death of Jesus on the cross, His sacrifice for our sins, and His resurrection into new life. Wherever followers of Jesus gather to study His Word (the Bible), worship, pray, and serve one another is an example of the Church assembling as those who have been called out by God because they have received forgiveness and new life in Him.
Who Can Go to Church?
This assembly is open to any and all. Those who are seeking and have not yet put their faith in Jesus and His salvation are welcomed in these gatherings to ask questions, observe, and most importantly experience the love of Christ through others. Everyone has the opportunity to respond to the Gospel––the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ––and become part of the Church. Come and be welcomed with the love of Christ, experience the warmth of God’s people, and discover the transformative power of God’s Spirit.
Why Do We Need Church?
Life can be difficult––but we were never meant to go through it alone. Through the Body of Christ (the Church), you will find others who want to motivate you and help you grow in your love for God as you serve Him together (Hebrews 10:24). Being a Christian cannot be separate from participating in the gathering of His people. Whether it’s a Sunday morning service at a designated building or close-knit fellowship in a home, join together with others and be the Church that God calls us to be.
As you search for a Church community, follow these five guiding principles to help you know what to look for:
1. The Gospel Is the Only Way to Be Saved
A healthy church knows one thing: believing the Gospel and receiving God’s forgiveness through Jesus is the only way to receive eternal life (John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 2:2, John 14:6). We do not need to be pardoned by another person or say a specific prayer. By believing in our hearts and confessing with our lips that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved (Romans 10:9).
2. God’s Word Is Our Highest Authority
Everything we know about God has been revealed to us through the Bible. This is how we discover, apply, and teach truth about who God is and what He calls us to do (2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 119:105). Teachers have a higher expectation and responsibility to faithfully teach the Word without selfish gain, knowing that they are being used as a mouthpiece for God and have the possibility of leading others astray if they misinterpret, mishandle, or misuse the Word of God (James 3:1).
3. God’s People Are Known for Their Love
Jesus shared that there are many defining factors that distinguish His followers from the rest of the world. But there is one that stands above the rest: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples” (John 13:35 NLT). This is not a self-defined love. It is a love that reflects the selfless, compassionate, and merciful heart of Jesus. The love of God should be evident in any gathering of the Church, both large or small.
4. All Believers Should Be Growing Spiritually
Being a Christian is not about following a set of religious rules. The heart of God’s Word is to teach us how to grow in our love for God and love for others (Luke 10:27, Matthew 22:37). A church community that is committed to following Jesus and diligently teaches and applies the Bible will see spiritual growth. In God’s mercy, He welcomes us as we are; but in His love, He calls us to something greater. The work He starts in each one of us will be completed so that we might be raised up in glory with Him in eternity (Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:17).
5. Nobody Is Above Accountability
Through the grace of Jesus and the work of His Spirit, the people of God will be transformed into the image of the Son (i.e. grow in His character traits). But that doesn’t mean we’ll ever be perfect on this side of eternity. This is why all believers (even and especially pastors and church leaders) need to have non-biased accountability. When King David was at his greatest point of power, he was at his weakest spiritually. It was through accountability that God led him back onto the path of righteousness.
Find the Blessing of a Church Community
No time is going to feel like the “perfect time” to start the church search. But God is ready to bless you through others who are ready to love you, grow with you, and worship alongside you. It can be hard to overcome the anxiety and fear that comes along with exploring something new, but God is good and will be faithful to lead you exactly where you need to be in this season. Take the next steps now––you won’t regret it.
Next Steps
1. Do you have any friends that go to a healthy church? Ask them about the five guiding principles in their church.
2. If you’re having a hard time finding a church, use the Church Search map at www.klove.com/resources/connect-to-church or give our pastors a call at (800) 525-5683.
