Why Do We Actually Go to Church? Part 2: Community

Last week, we started asking the question, “Why do we actually go to church?” Indeed, God's Word works anywhere and everywhere. In this age of modern technology, we don’t actually have to go to any certain location to hear God's Word preached. But there is one thing modern technology can’t replicate: the body and blood of Christ given for you on the cross given to you for the forgiveness of sins in the Lord’s Supper. In his Supper, Christ feeds our souls, draws near to our hearts, and gives us a foretaste of the feast in his heavenly kingdom. While the Holy Spirit also forgives our sins through the Word, we also have this wonderful assurance of forgiveness, life, and salvation in Communion.

 There’s something else that can’t truly be replicated. Community. Community is a sense of shared experience, shared attitudes, shared goals. Of course, these days we can talk about online communities as well. Those are great for their purpose. But there’s something indescribable when trying to explain the difference between an online community and an in-person community. Do we connect as well through a computer screen? What if someone doesn’t use their camera? Then, body language is cut out of the picture. What if someone doesn’t use their microphone? Then, all you have is text. No inflection. Few cues for sarcasm, irony, even happiness, sadness, or anger. Finally, are we as real online as we have to be in person?

 In the Bible, God tells us that he wants us to come together as a community. “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” (Hebrews 10:24,25). Some might call it “doing life together.” We could even call it, “Living a life worthy of the calling we’ve received together” (cf. Ephesians 4:1).

 We’ve received a call heavenward. We’ve been brought into God's kingdom through Baptism. We’ve been fed and nourished with his Word and Supper. We’re walking toward our heavenly home. Meanwhile, God gives us work to do (Ephesians 2:10). He calls us to live out the calling he has given us out of thankfulness to him. What does that look like? In Hebrews 10:24, it just says, “Love and good deeds.” Does it need to be more specific? We can show love and do good in our homes, at work, at the grocery store, while driving, while exercising, at school, on the field, at dance practice, at church—anywhere we are!

 And how much easier it is to love and do good deeds when you are in a community of love that also wants to serve God! A community that will point you to the One who saved you. A community that forgives in Jesus’ name (Ephesians 4:32). A community that will share your burdens (Galatians 6:2). A community that prays for each other (James 5:16). A community that spurs you on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). A community that encourages you (Hebrews 10:25). A community that praises God together with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).

 Online communication is valuable, especially now. But it can’t completely replace the sense of community a person gets from being with other Christians. Though we meet together less right now than usual, we will not completely give up meeting together forever, but instead we will keep on encouraging each other—and all the more as we see the Day of our Lord approaching.