Why Bother With Church?

Philip Yancey has quickly become one of my favorite authors. He has a small book titled Church: Why Bother? My Personal Pilgrimage. In the book Yancey traces his personal journey from trying to be spiritual without the church, to realizing its necessity.

Why is it that many people seem opposed to the church? Why does it seem that there are so many (particularly in their 20's & 30's) who want to be spiritual but despise organized religion? Perhaps the organizational structures of denominationalism has left a bad taste in the mouths of many because of a perceived hypocrisy. Often the organization of the church is concerned with rites, rituals, and outer forms. Meanwhile, church-goers seem less than real in their spirituality. "There are too many hypocrites in the church!" shouts the opponent of organized religion. Such a charge is, unfortunately, all too true.

I can't blame people for being opposed to the organized structure of denominational churches. I am also opposed to such. For this reason, I proudly am a part of a fellowship that strives to organize congregations that simply try to practice the simple, pure faith of the church read about in the New Testament. Sometimes we don't get it right. Sometimes we make mistakes. But we avoid the bells, whistles and frills of man-made religion, with all of its pomp and tradition. We seek simple New Testament Christianity and spirituality. We desire to follow the heart of Jesus and be his church. But even in the most spiritual assembly of Christians, there will always be those who are faking their faith.

But should the presence of hypocrites in the church turn us against the institution itself? Jesus certainly viewed the church as being a vital part of true spirituality. He thought it so important that he purchased the church "with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). I once heard it said, "If you let a hypocrite stand between you and God, he is closer to God than you are." Think about it.

Quoting J.F. Powers, Philip Yancey compares the church to a large ship:

"This is a big old ship, Bill. She creaks, she rocks, she rolls, and at times she makes you want to throw up. But she gets where she's going. Always has, always will, until the end of time. With or without you."

So it is with the church. She creaks, rolls and rocks, too. Sometimes, the actions of those within the church make you want to throw up. But it is the church that will get you where you are going. Jesus provides salvation only for those who are truly a part of His church. (Eph. 5:23). Always has, always will.