Church Fellowship & the Encouragement of Your Soul
Church attendance must be an indispensable part of every believer's life. You are not meant to walk with Jesus alone - but in community. In Hebrews 10:25, we read, "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
As pastor of counseling, I want to help believers discover the role that church attendeance plays in helping to obey Philippians 4:8. It says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." The fellowship of believers helps us to maintain a godly focus and to endure in keeping your eyes on Christ. Similar to the encouragement a runner may require from friends and family on the sideline when his mind drifts, his body becomes weary, and he begins to slow down. Our souls can grow weary, and we require similar encouragement to run our spiritual race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).
It is natural to grow weary and for our minds to wander, especially when we are isolated. Yet, in the fellowship of believers - who gather in the name of Jesus - we are recalibrated, so to speak, and are re-energized. In corporate worship, we come to see with renewed vigor the goal of our faith and our priorities are set right. We can be reminded of what's of importance- not the temporary struggles of this life which can hold our minds and hearts captive, but the eternal glory to be revealed in Christ Jesus. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 18-8).
The point I'm trying to make is this; local church attendance is essential for every believer because every believer needs it! There are many things God accomplishes in and through the Body of Christ - the Church, soul care included. Remember, we are sheep. We are prone to stray unless we graze with the herd - we are prone to stray in our minds and hearts.
Additionally, Scripture exhorts us to stand ready to encourage one another. You and I are not meant to be walled-ff gardens. We are called to be part of the Body of Christ, and this requires that we genuinely know and are genuinely known by others. This require more than a pretentious, "Oh, I'm part of the global body." We need the encouragement that comes from being known by others, held accountable by others, and supported by others in the local Church Body. I want to encourage you to be intentional about connecting with a handful of people.
Are you connected in Capital Baptist's Growth Group community? You can be known, supported, and encouraged week in, week out to keep Christ your and your family's priority. The encouragement of your soul depends on it. Finding a Growth Group that fits your season of life is a simple and straightforward process.
Discover your community here or email WeCare@CapitalBaptist.org
Ryan A. Sturgis,M.A.
Pastor of Counseling