Is the Church Worth it?
“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2)
There are many people who would describe their relationship with the church as complicated. There may be mixed emotions presented when the topic arises in conversations. Echos of hurt, pain, and confusion still linger with mention of the church.
I had seen this in conversations with a variety of people over the years. Some were Christians, others would not categorize themselves as devote followers of Jesus Christ, and others believed in God but were distant towards anything that resembles a church.
However, what many of them had in common was some type of experience with church which altered their perception of this community. While the extent to which the experience impacted their lives varied, to some individuals, the hurt was still a reality in their lives, and the wounds still tender.
And what I have come to find is that hurt relating to the church does not exist simply on one side.
There are individuals who have been impacted by the church and those who have been impacted for the church. And it is likely that there are people who have experienced both.
Being impacted by the church refers to individuals who, in some capacity had experienced a hurtful or painful thing relating to specific members.
Or perhaps they were hurt by people who called themselves “the church” but were not actually part of the authentic church. They have misrepresented the gospel by having it be about just morality while leaving a relationship with Jesus out of the equation. Maybe some operate more like a country club than a hospital for the broken, a self-sustaining organization rather than a people made to reach out to the community.
However, there is certainly another side to the story, often talked about less—those who have been impacted for the church. Here I am referring to the reality that the authentic church has been hurt as well. This includes believers who have been misrepresented to the world as being harsh or judgmental when in actuality, they were simply conveying the truth (found in the Scriptures) in love. They disagree with things, but it is said out of honest, authentic love. They have had to stand alone even when it is hard. They are discriminated against, having their beliefs mocked or laughed at openly. They are mislabeled, yet, they choose to stand with the church because it is loved by God.
So, unfortunately, the pain exists on both sides. The hurt and loneliness are very real. And it has the potential to leave the impending question: “Is the church worth it?”
A glance at church history would reveal a resounding “yes.” But how many of us have had this question surfaced in our minds over the years during the face of hardship, discouragement, or hurts? Even if we know the “right” answer is yes, there is a deep “why” to this question that is highly significant.
It is the “why” behind this question that reveals an astonishing truth: God has never given up on the church. She is part of a grand story of the kingdom of God. Reflection on the truth within this answer uncovers an astonishing beauty, reclaiming the sense of wonder, healing, and encouragement our souls so desperately need.
So whether you are a believer wondering if you would take part in church once again after experiencing heartbreak, a young person who is feeling the weight of standing alone for what you believe in at your school, a bible college student questioning if you can go into church ministry, or even a pastor wondering if you should continue to stay despite the hardships.
Surely, this question is significant to address.
The True Identity of the Church
When answering this question, it is necessary to uncover the true roots of the church found within the bible.
According to the Scripture, the first mention of the church is found in Jesus’ exclamation to Peter, which states:
“Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:16-18).
This passage reveals the first essential aspect of the church: Her foundation is built upon the assurance that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This is where her true identity lies.
An authentic church will have Jesus as the center; they will proclaim the gospel. An establishment that does not proclaim Christ is not part of the authentic church, even if they called themselves a church, simply because it is a direct contradiction of what Jesus Himself defined as its very foundation,
Similarly, a person is not a Christian simply because they call themselves so. A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. This can only be done by the regeneration of the person’s heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. God transforms hearts so that they have a relationship with Jesus Christ. In this, their perception of God, their own identity, and their sin are transformed.
This genuine church are believers who have a relationship with Christ, who have been made new by the power of the Holy Spirit. They have been transformed. They are not marked by perfection but are merely human. Thus, there can be hurt within the body. However, a lot of pain has also come from those who may have attended the church but were themselves not part of the true church. They did not strive to follow Jesus at all and were not walking out their faith. Their lives had not been transformed, and they did what contradicted the Scriptures, causing enormous pain and hurt to others.
The Value of the Church
Another essential aspect of the church’s identity is that it is a unique community of believers united under their faith in Jesus Christ and are dearly loved by God, precious and honored in His sight.
Jesus lovingly prayed for the church long before we were ever crafted into existence. In His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said:
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21).
He could have prayed for anything, but Jesus chose to pray for unity. Knowing that we would come from a variety of experiences, backgrounds, have various gifts and flaws. That there would be tension with one another at times. Nevertheless, Jesus looked upon us and loved us where we were at. God crafted each believer of His church with thought and care, equipping us with different gifts such as serving and teaching (Romans 12:1-8). And He prayed we would be one, as He and the Father were one, and that His love would be in us (John 17:23;26).
The abundant love of God runs even deeper in Scripture, making it exceedingly clear. The apostle Paul writes in instruction for the family unit,
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
God demonstrated his love by giving himself on the cross that day. He endured the pain of bearing our sin,
“for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2).
The example is often given throughout Scripture, in which the relationship between Christ and the church is referred to as a groom and a bride. Loving, beautiful, and close are words that mark the union.
God is not distant or deistic but is personal, who actively participates in the lives of His children. He desires to be reconciled to His church. This was the depth of His care: Jesus provided a way for believers to be united back to Him.
To Jesus, the church is highly valuable in His sight.
The Grand Narrative
What extends from this is the truth that the church is an essential part of the greater narrative. The biblical story tells of humanity turning their backs on God. Yet, the Father relentlessly pursued them, comparable in nature to a bride and groom.
Despite her flaws, the church is God’s beloved, chosen by God and dearly loved (Ephesians 5:25-27). We were made to walk closely with the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.
And consequently, the church was created to be God’s chosen vessel, revealing His light to the world. To proclaim the gospel, to be one in unity, and to love. As Jesus prayed:
“..so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21).
There is a bigger picture going on than what we may see at the moment. God is conveying His love to the world, and he has chosen to do it through the imperfect church.
The church is essential, not because we have declared it to be. But because Jesus has established it as being a vessel in which the truth of salvation is conveyed to the world.
And from this, we are encouraged to live a life worthy of the calling we have received (Ephesians 4:1).
The Next Chapter
And what comes next in the story as told in the Scriptures?
The Apostle “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2)
One day, He is coming back for His bride.
When Jesus knew His ministry on earth was coming to a close, He told His disciples,
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
Notice the last sentence, “that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3). This reveals a significant theme within the bible: God wants the church, His beloved people, to be with Him. And He’s going to prepare a place for His bride.
This is again referenced while Jesus was on the cross. Turning to the thief, who had a repentant heart and recognized Christ as the Lord (having His own kingdom), Jesus said: “You will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
And once again, in the high priestly prayer, as Jesus prays,
“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see the glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24).
Again, Jesus wants His people to be with Him. And He’s coming back.
The book of Revelations says: “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
This is the hope we have as believers.
But until then…
The church is granted this amazing promise. He has not left us as orphans to figure out life by ourselves. But rather, before departing, Jesus comforted His disciples (throughout all generations) with these words:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Jesus’ promise to His children is that we will be with Him one day.
Until then, He is with the church, even now through the power of the Holy Spirit living within the children of God.
Despite our imperfections and our brokenness, God has not left us. He has never given up on His church.
This is the hope we have as believers.
Once more, the question presents itself: Is the church worth it?
Jesus believed so.
How about you?
