WHY JOIN A CHURCH?

WHAT IS A CHURCH?

Although we associate church with a building, it’s much more than a place to worship. A church is:

A COMMUNITY

It’s people called and joined together to do God’s work. Christians unite to share love, hope and a sense of purpose.

THE BODY OF CHRIST

An involved and caring church gives life to Christ’s presence in the world.

Jesus said in St. John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches”

WHY WOULD I JOIN A CHURCH?

So you can discover your faith, and live it more fully.

THE CHURCH NEEDS YOU

As a unique human being you have special God-given gifts to share.

YOU NEED THE CHURCH

As a church member, you’ll be better able to:

LOVE GOD, other people and yourself in an atmosphere of giving and receiving.

GROW AS A CHRISTIAN, with guidance, support and inspiration.

SERVE GOD in the world. When Christians work together, the impossible becomes possible

CAN I BE CHRISTIAN WITHOUT JOINING THE CHURCH?

Not in the most effective way. Solitary prayer and Bible study

are important, but when Christians get together, they can:

HEAR AND UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD more clearly and powerfully. Others’ thoughts and voices give strength to our own.

LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER in memorable and unique ways. Members share a wealth of knowledge and experience.

EXPERIENCE CHRIST’S PRESENCE as a group gathered in Christ’s name. This special gift comforts and inspires.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” St. Matthew 18:20

THE CHURCH IS GOD’S GIFT TO US –and our gift to God

JESUS ESTABLISHED THE CHURCH

Jesus prayed that this community of faith would continue always.

“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one…” St. John 17:20-21

EARLY CHRISTIANS RELIED ON THE CHURCH

Despite ridicule and persecution, the church remained a source of hope and strength in a troubled world.

TODAY’S CHRISTIANS RELY ON THE CHURCH, TOO

The modern church fills needs that are as strong today as ever: the need to worship together, to be loved and accepted, and to love others.

COME TO CHURCH – IT’S YOUR SPIRITUAL HOME

Life is full of complex problems – and few simple answers! But the church can help you find the answers as you:

EXPERIENCE GOD’S LOVE

A church is a perfect place to receive and feel the power of God’s love.

SEEK MEANING IN THE WORLD

Church members ask hard questions of themselves and others. It’s a way to understand the world and your place in it.

Mature as a Christian

A church can help you meet the challenge of growing in faith.

GET TO KNOW OTHERS

A church can be the foundation for a strong sense of belonging

DISCOVER YOURSELF

Christian life is a continuing process of learning and growing.

You can find answers by practicing your faith, too. For example, through:

PRAYER

Communicating with God – both expressing and listening – can help you understand yourself, others, and God’s will in your life.

TOGETHERNESS

You can share learning support, and joy with others committed to a Christian life.

WORSHIP

Joining others in worship is a way to express your love for God. Take time to prepare and participate fully.

HOLY COMMUNION- THE LORD’S SUPPER

In the Lord’s Supper, we offer our praise and thanksgiving for Christ’s sacrifice, and we receive spiritual nourishment and forgiveness.

“So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone… Ephesians 2:19-20

THE CHURCH IS A FAMILY

Its members belong to Christ – and to each other. In many ways, the church is like other families:

IT ISN’T PERFECT

Church members are human – each with weaknesses and strengths. We all struggle in our attempt to live as Jesus would.

MEMBERSHIP TAKES WORK AND COMMITMENT

Everyone needs to be involved for a family to grow. Each member has a responsibility to help the church thrive, too.

EACH MEMBER HAS SOMETHING TO OFFER

Because we are all equal in the eyes of God, none of our gifts are too small to add to God’s glory.

“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another” Romans 12:4-5

MEMBERS SHARE A COMMON HERITAGE

Centuries of history and tradition have helped shape today’s church. This foundation is a powerful bond, rich in meaning.

MEMBERS SHARE A COMMON PURPOSE

The church brings us together to minister to members and all those in need.

“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” St. John 20:21

THE CHURCH IS A SOURCE OF LOVE

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Cor. 13:4-7

Members give one another:

ACCEPTANCE

It’s comforting to know we’re accepted just as we are.

FORGIVENESS

We all make mistakes as we struggle to follow Christ’s path. Forgiveness is a special gift of heartfelt love.

encouragement

Others’ support and inspiration can help us achieve our goals and reach for new ones.

RENEWAL

Sharing life’s triumphs and failures can bring new energy and a new spirit to the faith community.

Members offer encouragement, support and guidance in times of:

JOY

Church members can share in the joy of birth, marriage and success in jobs, school and personal life.

Change

Church members can help you meet the challenges that come with changes such as moving, graduation or a new job.

STRESS

Others’ concern and help make all the difference in times of illness, family or economic problems, and other crises.

LOSS

The faith community can provide support in times of grief from family breakup or death.

The church offers counsel, comfort, and peace..

“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26

THE CHURCH IS A COMMUNITY IN ACTION

A strong church is alive and changing. Its members are constantly:

LEARNING

Christian study is a lifelong process. Members learn through:

CHURCH SCHOOL AND STUDY GROUPS

Discussion and group study can help translate Christ’s examples into modern life.

READING AND BIBLE STUDY

The Bible and other writings are a source of knowledge and guidance.

PRAYER

Individual and group prayer help members to feel God’s presence and recognize God’s will in their lives.

REFLECTION

In a fast-paced world, church members need to take time to examine their attitudes and actions in light of Christian teachings.

SERVING

Church members show their love for Christ by offering:

TREASURE

Money and goods can help the church pay expenses, help those in need, and spread God’s word, too.

TIME

Anyone can give the gift of time – from visiting those who are ill, or lonely, to helping maintain the church building.

TALENT

All types of special skills are needed to do God’s work – from organizing to accounting, from carpentry to computer programming.

WITNESS

Church members speak out with words and actions. It’s their opportunity – and their duty – to spread God’s love and welcome others into the church..

JOIN GOD’S FAMILY IN A CHURCH!

DISCOVER THE JOY of worshipping with others.

EXPERIENCE THE LOVE of a faith community.

Serve god and the world in new and meaningful ways.

“But you are …God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9