Expert: Australian International Evangelist Matthew Starrs - 8/2/2005

Question
pls tell me about the church why its imprtantant to have this fellowship?

Answer
Hello Gloria,

Sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to you.
Church in and of itself is not really that important as an end in itself. It's the things that we do at church that are important. Here is a list of the typical components of modern church that are not only important, but neccessary for our spiritual development and wellbeing.

1. Teaching from the Word of God. The bible has much to say about this . . . . Babies grow from the pure milk of God's word. Sure you can get this from the tele-evangelists also. But TV needs to be appealing to a market in order to survive. You need to be involved in an interactive bible study that covers a depth and range of teaching that wouldn't make good television (or paperbacks).

2. Corporate prayer and worship. There is a special presence of God whenever two or more of us gather together in Jesus Name (could also be read "for Jesus purposes"). One can put a thousand to flight, two can beat ten thousand!

3. Communion. The Lords Supper is only complete when shared with others. It is a recognition of the Lords body.

4. An opportunity to meet regularly in Christian community. How else are you going to fulfil scriptures like "bear one anothers burdens" if you are not in community?

5. When we are "organised" as we are in church we can effectively achieve more for the Kingdom of God in terms of Outreach and influence on our cities and nations than we could as random individuals. Just by providing minimal support by affiliation we can be a part of something bigger than ourselves. In Jesus' parable of the talents this would equate to a servant putting his money in the bank. Better than burying it and keeping it safely hidden.

This list could go on and on. Of course most, if not all of these things could be fulfilled without church. However most of us lack the energy and self discipline we would need to maintain them. When we participate in "Church" we benefit from the energy and motivation of other members.

I hope that helps.

Blessings!

Matthew.