Becoming the Church: Moving from Attendance to Engagement
In a world where consumerism often dictates our approach to life, it's easy to fall into the trap of viewing church as just another service to consume. We show up, listen to a message, sing a few songs, and leave feeling like we've checked off our spiritual duty for the week. But what if there's more to church than simply attending? What if we're called to something greater, something that transforms not just our Sunday mornings, but our entire lives?
The call to faithfulness isn't just about showing up; it's about becoming an integral part of the body of Christ. It's a shift from asking, "What can I get out of church?" to "What can I give?" This transformation begins with understanding that God is actively building His church, and He wants to use each one of us in that process.
Jesus declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." This powerful statement reminds us that the church isn't just a human institution, but a divine project. God is at work, and He invites us to join Him in this incredible endeavor.
So how do we move from being mere attendees to becoming the church? It starts with three key commitments:
1. Be Present and Available
The first step is to commit to regular attendance. But it's more than just showing up; it's about being present and available for God to use you. When we gather, we should come with anticipation, asking, "What is Jesus going to do through me today?" This mindset shift transforms our church experience from passive consumption to active participation.
Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages us: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Being part of the body means looking out for each other, welcoming newcomers, and adding value to the community. It's about recognizing that your presence matters and that you have something unique to contribute.
2. Become a Giver
Giving goes far beyond financial contributions. It's about adopting a lifestyle of generosity that reflects God's character. Throughout scripture, we see God as the ultimate giver—creating the world, providing for His people, and ultimately giving His Son for our salvation.
Romans 12:1 challenges us: "I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Giving of ourselves—our time, talents, and yes, our resources—is an act of worship that aligns us with God's heart.
When we give, we're not just supporting a church budget; we're investing in God's kingdom work. We're participating in His mission to transform lives and communities. And as we give, we often find that God blesses us in return, not always financially, but with a sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment that money can't buy.
3. Serve with Your Gifts
Every believer has been given unique gifts and talents by God. These aren't meant to be hoarded or hidden, but to be used for the building up of the body of Christ. When we serve, we're not just filling a slot on a volunteer roster; we're fulfilling our God-given purpose.
1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Our service, no matter how small it may seem, has eternal significance when done for the Lord.
Serving changes our perspective. Instead of coming to church with a "what's in it for me" attitude, we come asking, "How can I bless others today?" This servant-hearted approach not only benefits the church community but also leads to personal growth and a deeper connection with God.
The story of Wendy Chappell, a faithful servant who joyfully served in children's ministry, illustrates the impact one person can have when they commit to serving. Though she has passed on, her legacy of faithfulness continues to inspire and bless others.
As we embrace these commitments—being present, giving generously, and serving wholeheartedly—we begin to experience church not as an event to attend, but as a community to belong to and a mission to participate in. We move from being consumers to contributors, from spectators to participants in God's grand plan.
This journey of faithfulness isn't always easy. It requires sacrifice, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But the rewards are immeasurable. As we invest in God's church, we find ourselves growing in faith, developing deeper relationships, and experiencing the joy of being used by God to make a difference in the world.
Imagine a church where everyone comes not to be served, but to serve; not to receive, but to give; not to spectate, but to participate. This is the church that Jesus is building—a vibrant, loving community that reflects His character and advances His kingdom.
The invitation is open to all of us. Will we choose to move beyond mere attendance and truly become the church? Will we commit to being present, giving generously, and serving faithfully? As we do, we'll discover that we're not just building a church; we're being built into the people God designed us to be.
Let's embrace this calling together, knowing that as we faithfully play our part, God will use us to build a church that not only withstands the test of time but also impacts eternity. After all, we're not just going to church; we are the church. And that makes all the difference.
