Church, of course, is the people – the ekklesia – the people of God in Christ. But for the purpose of this post, when I say “attend church,” I mean the Sunday morning gathering.
To be propelled into our ultimate purpose, we must never give up meeting together. You need church more than you might realize.
Why?
Because Jesus.
The gospel – that is, the life, fulfillment, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of King Jesus – wasn’t so you could be propelled into an exceptionally individual life, but the gospel propels into life together, as a holy people.
And when we gather together, we share that common commitment and confession: God is love; Jesus is alive; Jesus is King; the Spirit of God has been poured out for all!
When we gather, we are making a countercultural declaration of the counter-cultural values of the kingdom of God – that is, Jesus is Lord; Caesar is not. We are declaring that in a world of death, decay, destruction, pain, and violence that the shalom of God is bursting forth.
When we gather, we are declaring and professing in the God who makes all things new – that is:
The God who brings dead bones to life.
The God who turns decay into resurrection.
The God who takes a marriage in shambles and brings healing and life.
The God who reconciles all races.
The God who declares victory for the marginalized.
The God who sets the captives free.
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, it’s a tough world out there. Even as you are propelled into your purpose, life can tear you down. We need a place where we can reorient our minds and be reminded of what actually matters. We need a place where others can hold us accountable to living into the purposes of God. Without church I am absolutely convinced that we cannot stay faithful to the purposes of God. We need Jesus above all else, yes, and we need one another to be pushed and propelled closer to our King.
By Tara Beth Leach,
Propel Cohorts Co-Founder