Project Description

2013/05

What’s in Church for Me?

When someone leaves a church, the explanation inevitably goes like this: ‘there was nothing in that church for me. I was getting nothing out of it.’ But the old adage is true: “You only get out of something what you put into it.” Thus if an individual makes no real contribution to the life and witness of the local church, he ought not to be surprised to feel, ‘I’m getting nothing out of it.’

Sadly, the next step for many is to start attending an unsound, modernistic church, where the ‘Nothing in it for me – I’m getting nothing out of it’ vacuum is filled with an entertainment-driven and activity-filled programme. Even though their souls are not being fed with ‘the finest of the wheat’, a solid Biblical ministry, they claim contentment because there is plenty in this church for them! Young Christian, if you are tempted to go down this route, please consider the following:

The Criteria for Choosing a Church

In making your choice, make sure the standards are high with regard to –

The Propriety of the Worship. The Lord is not to be approached casually but with reverence, Psalm 47:7; Ecclesiastes 5:1,2; Hebrews 12:28. Decorum and dress in public worship should reflect the fact that we have assembled in the presence of the King.

The Preaching of the Word.  God speaks through His word (Jonah 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 10:14,15) and preaching is the central act of worship.  The whole counsel of God must be declared (Acts 20:27), Christ must be preached (1Corinthians1:23), and sound doctrine explained (1Timothy 4:6).

The Pertinence of the Witness. The church must speak up on the issues of the day and say what God says in His Word. It must be for all that God is for, and be against all that God is against, Galatians 4:16; 1Thessalonians 2:4.

In a Bible based, Christ-centred church like this, there will be plenty for you. What then can you put into a church like this? This leads us to consider:

The Chance to Contribute in the Church

The opportunities to contribute will be numerous:

Prayerful Work. The Saviour taught us that men ought always to pray and not to faint, privately (Matthew 6:6) and publicly (Acts 1:14; 4:31; 12:5).  To miss the church prayer meeting is to miss out on the blessing of praying with those of like precious faith.  If you want to get something out of the local church, start attending the prayer meeting!

Personal Work. There are many soul refreshing and spiritually rewarding things that you can do in the local church.  Be involved in its outreach whenever possible (Mark 16:15).  Help in children’s work or in the youth fellowship.  Bring comfort and consolation to those who are weary. Call with those who are housebound or in hospital.

Practical Work. There are practical ways of serving the Lord. You might help keep the church grounds tidy; or serve refreshments for visitors; or assist with car park duties; or clear up after functions; or drive the church minibus; or supervise children on the bus – the list is endless. Usually the problem is not ‘nothing to do’, but ‘no one willing to do it’!

So, instead of saying: ‘I get nothing out of my church’, ask: ‘What am I putting into my church?’

Rev. Samuel Murray