Don’t just go to church, be the church!- right?

 

The often heard statement, "Don’t just go to church, be the church!" might resonate with the idea of living out one's faith actively, but it overlooks the biblical model of church membership and community. While being the church indeed means embodying Christ's love and service in everyday life, the New Testament also clearly shows that Christians are meant to be part of a local church body.
Through baptism, believers identify not just with Christ but with His family, the church, creating a covenant relationship with both.
Through baptism, believers identify not just with Christ but with His family, the church, creating a covenant relationship with both. This membership allows for the fulfillment of scriptural commands like daily encouragement (Hebrews 3:13), submission to church leaders (Hebrews 13:17), and mutual support (Galatians 6:2). The early Christians didn't just "be the church" in isolation; they gathered weekly for fellowship, teaching, and accountability under the apostles' guidance (Acts 2:42).
". . . to truly "be the church," one must also be an active, committed member of a local church. . ."
Therefore, to truly "be the church," one must also be an active, committed member of a local church community, where these biblical principles can be lived out in a structured, supportive environment.
HT: Adapted from 8 Things Everyone Should Know About Church, by Core Christianity