Why Do We Need the Church? Connection as a Family

Acts 2:44 - 45

And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need.

Why do we need the church? Because we need each other.

The church is called a “household of faith.” What does that mean? The church is called to care for the needs of its own. Just let that sink in for a moment. One purpose of the church is to care for the needs of its own. When I say care for the needs “of its own,” I mean the church is a family. The church is not just a group of people - it is a family with the joy and responsibility to care for one another - a “household of faith.”

Several years ago, I witnessed the church operating as a family while serving on the pastoral staff at a church in Tennessee. A family in the church experienced a sudden death, and the church responded. This couple who served diligently in the church - him as a deacon and her as a teacher in the children’s ministry - were faithful in serving others and pouring their lives into others in the church family.  They also had a daughter who they raised as part of the church family. One day, quite unexpectedly, he had a serious heart attack and subsequently passed away. His family suddenly experienced grief, loss, pain, and of course, an extra financial burden.

This couple had built relationships in the church through their Sunday school group. At his death, this group of friends quickly jumped into service-mode and provided meals and support for the widow and daughter. But this was only the beginning. They also provided financial assistance for the funeral service and the burial as well as a few other details. After some time, this group as well as the deacons realized she had long-term needs to get back on her feet and set a plan in motion to help. She was overwhelmed with the kindness of these friends. These people in the church became more than friends to her and her daughter.  They were responding as a family.  And she was so grateful.

With several decades of vocational ministry behind me, I could share countless stories like this one with you. The church is a family that cares for its family members.

Who Is Your Family?

The Bible records a day when Jesus had been busy ministering to the needs of others. While patiently teaching the disciples, He experienced the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees and the curiosity of the crowds trying to get a glimpse of His miracles. Then something happened. His mother and brothers came to the place He was teaching with the intent of seeing and speaking with Him. When confronted with the fact that His mother and brothers were there to see Him, consider what Jesus said about His family in Matthew 12:46 - 50.

“While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You.’ But Jesus replied to the one who was telling Him and said, ‘Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?’ And extending His hand toward His disciples, He said, ‘Behold: My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother.’” 

Let’s not misunderstand this passage; Jesus is not saying that He doesn’t care for or even love His mother or brothers. Jesus is introducing us to a larger family - the family of God, the Church - the “household of faith.”

An Organism, Not An Organization

We need the church because the church is to care for its own - each other. Sometimes we think of the church as an organization with things to guide it such as bylaws, policies, and procedures. Indeed there is a place for these things in the church. But let’s not overlook this truth: the church is an organism, a living thing, birthed by the Holy Spirit. We are family!

And because we are family, we are to care for the needs of others.

The Household of Faith

“Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Look at that last phrase, “especially to those who are of the household of faith.” The apostle Paul is telling us to not lose sight of the familial relationship we have as fellow members of the church. We are to care for one another.

As I close today, I want to tell you about one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had in vocational ministry. I had the blessing of serving at a church in North Mississippi several years ago. In our church, there was a couple who everyone called “Uncle Henry and Aunt Polly.” Uncle Henry and Aunt Polly were quite elderly and in poor health. They were from another generation and did not have much in the way of worldly possessions. They had a grown son named Tommy, who, at that time was around the age of 55, and was intellectually disabled.  Tommy was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever met. They all lived in a small house on the main road near the church I pastored. Tommy would stand outside by the mailbox each day and wave to the cars as they passed by. 

Even at her advanced age, Aunt Polly cared for Tommy, changing his diaper, providing his meals, and doing the things that parents do; although very few parents have had this kind of physical parenting responsibility for 55 years! (She was a very strong and faithful lady!) One day, Aunt Polly suddenly passed away. She had been working in the kitchen, began feeling weak, and made her way to the couch, laid down, closed her eyes, and went to be with Jesus. While her death was tragic, it was also beautiful. 

Something else beautiful was about to occur. The church family rallied around Uncle Henry and Tommy. Uncle Henry was substantially limited in caring for Tommy and, therefore, a church member who lived close by stepped in to help and enlisted others for support. Before long, some difficult decisions needed to be made related to Tommy’s long-term care. Although it broke Uncle Henry’s heart, Tommy needed to be enrolled in a special home to help those with intellectual disabilities. There was only one catch; no one close to Tommy could see him for several weeks so that he could get acclimated to his new surroundings. 

After time passed, some church members drove Uncle Henry to see Tommy and much to their surprise, Tommy was doing very well. He was no longer wearing a diaper, he could change his own clothes, make his own bed, and care for himself with some other basic needs. Tommy was doing well and so too was Uncle Henry.

So many things happened with this family, but I want you to focus on how their “household of faith” stepped in to “be a family” to Uncle Henry and Tommy, honored Aunt Polly, and glorified God as they helped with the funeral, provided meals, transportation, groceries, and even helped a 55-year-old intellectually disabled man experience life as he had never done before.

Who Was Blessed More?

Who received the blessing in this story?  Tommy? Yes. Uncle Henry? Yes. But the amazing part is that each person who rallied around this family - the “household of faith” right there in North Mississippi - received a blessing as they shared their lives with this family in need.  God’s economy works like that.  Blessing and joy come through giving.

This is the ministry of the church: to be the “household of faith” caring for the needs of those in our family! If you have wandered away from your “household of faith,” it is never too late to reconnect.  You will be welcomed back with open arms.  

When you connect with your church family - the body of Christ - you will give of your time, your talents, and your treasures.  And your sowing will also become reaping as you share in the fellowship of the “household of faith.”