Bible, Faith, Serving, Distractions, Community, Church

Why Church Matters

We live in a world where we can do almost everything on our own – from working remotely to learning from YouTube. Many assume faith works the same way: read your Bible, pray, and stream sermons online. But as anxiety and loneliness rise, could our do-it-yourself approach be missing what makes faith thrive? In this message, discover why being personally involved in church isn’t just about showing up – it’s about experiencing faith as designed. Learn how active participation leads to a flourishing faith, better mental health, stronger relationships, and deeper purpose. If you’re tired of struggling doing faith alone, discover practical steps to move from spectator to participant and experience the life-changing power of a thriving faith.

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MESSAGE NOTES

Check-In Weekend: Why Church Matters

Key Statistics

  • 70% of congregants attend church only once every 7 weeks
  • Church attendance dropped 36% between 1993-2020
  • Bible reading declined from 46% (2010) to 35% (2020)
  • Prayer practice decreased from 83% to 69% (1993-2020)

Why Church Matters: Two Critical Questions

1. Can I Follow Jesus Alone?

Key Truth: Faith requires community, not isolation.

[1 Corinthians 12:12,18] “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ… But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.”

The Case for Community:

  • Each member serves a vital function
  • Growth happens through relationships
  • Mutual encouragement strengthens faith
  • Collective wisdom provides guidance

[Hebrews 10:25a] “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

2. Is Attendance Enough?

Key Truth: Faith requires action, not just attendance.

[Acts 2:42] “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”

Active Faith Includes:

  • Learning together
  • Supporting one another
  • Serving together
  • Praying together
  • Building community

[Ephesians 2:10] “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Benefits of Personal Involvement

Research shows volunteers experience:

  • 75% report better physical health
  • 93% report improved mood
  • 79% report lower stress levels
  • 88% report increased self-esteem

Next Steps for Growth

  1. Move from Isolation to Connection
    • Join a small group
    • Attend consistently
    • Build relationships
  2. Move from Attendance to Building
    • Serve on a ministry team
    • Support group leaders
    • Share your gifts
  3. Move from Consuming to Contributing
    • Invite others
    • Share your faith
    • Give generously

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Application Questions

  1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
  2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
  3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
  4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?

We live in a world where we can do almost everything on our own – from working remotely to learning from YouTube. Many assume faith works the same way: read your Bible, pray, and stream sermons online. But as anxiety and loneliness rise, could our do-it-yourself approach be missing what makes faith thrive? In this message, discover why being personally involved in church isn’t just about showing up – it’s about experiencing faith as designed. Learn how active participation leads to a flourishing faith, better mental health, stronger relationships, and deeper purpose. If you’re tired of struggling doing faith alone, discover practical steps to move from spectator to participant and experience the life-changing power of a thriving faith.

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