Habits #4: Involvement With Church

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH

They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. But others in the crowd were mocking. “They’re drunk, that’s all!” they said. Acts 2:12-13

Awe = God was a draw…people followed his ways.

Mocked = and many people walked away…went the way of the world.

WHAT’S YOUR RESPONSE?

Are you in awe of what the church is doing and can be?  Or do you mock it and just come for the social setting or come because you’re forced to come?  The church is not a perfect place because the church is people.  “Involvement with the church body,” is saying you develop the habit of being involved with people.  God has designed us to be involved with one another. He has designed us to be dependent on one another. 

GETTING INVOLVED IN THE CHURCH BODY

1. Commit to God’s plan for the CHURCH

[Jesus said] “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

[Jesus said] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family– calling him “Father, dear Father.” Romans 8:15

Look at the relationships: Father – child, shepherd – sheep, vine – branch. That’s God’s plan for the church, that we would be connected. You’re not just committing to attend. You’re committing to connect. That’s what the church is – life on life. 

2. Refuse to confuse ATTENDANCE for spiritual growth

Some of you come every week. You have perfect attendance, but you’re not growing spiritually. Church is somewhere where you’re going to gather, where you’re going to worship, where you’re going to seek, and where you’re going to rely. Spiritual growth is what happens in your heart, and being an active attender makes all the difference.

3. Find your ROLE in the Church Body

Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4: 15-16

How do you get involved in the church?  Attending, connecting and serving.  Have a role. Maybe it’s coming every week and greeting people.  Maybe it’s working with children.  Maybe it’s helping a ministry by setting up or tearing down after an event. Every role matters.