Why Join a Church?

From time to time there are people I meet who think that membership to a local church is optional. I can't say it enough...there is no such thing as a Christian without the Church; no lone believers; no rugged individualist...

So, I wrote this for our people and those who come visit us on Sundays, warm pews and might just be wondering what's all the fuss about putting one's name on paper.

What we really hope for is that you will come to know and love Jesus more and more. This is why we are here, because the Church is all about making Jesus known to the world. Notice how we talk about the Church – there is “one Church” and it was formed by Jesus Christ, he died for it and rules over it as Lord (Eph.1:18-22). So, it is hard to believe in Jesus and not love His Church. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that we cannot do without it (Col. 2:6-10). Our local expression (First Presb.) is a part of this “One Church” and we share in the unity of this Body in baptism, faith and witness. As Presbyterians we are part of the Presbyterian Church in America, a biblical denomination, which is a called to live in obedience to Jesus Christ, following a biblical pattern of “presbyters” or elders who oversee the work and ministry of the congregation. Every believer is called to be a part of a visible fellowship, because the Holy Spirit has appointed offices and gifts to build up the Church for God’s glory (1 Cor. 12:27-31). This is why it is important to join a Church. Does this mean you should join us? Only if you think we are faithful to the Scriptures, preach the whole Gospel and encourage people to love Jesus more and more. If you do, we gladly welcome you.