Is the Church right for everybody?

In our little community, I run across people every day that tell me that church just isn’t for them. I often dismiss it, and sometimes think that they might have a different opinion if they were part of it, but usually just let it go (we have to pick our battles carefully, this probably isn’t one worth fighting).

I’ve been thinking about that statement lately. Is Church for everybody? Or, are there some people for whom Church just isn’t for?

At this point, I guess I should remind us that different churches have different roles. There are probably two extremes in churches today. Seeker churches gear their services to people who don’t know Christ yet, people who may be seeking something spiritual, but they don’t know what. These churches tend to have a very entertaining service with lots of contemporary music, and very evangelistic messages. They are great for seekers who don’t yet know God, but there is very little meat to encourage and bring growth to the Body. At the other extreme are those High Churches that offer very liturgical and very structured services geared to those already in the Body – Seekers would be lost in this setting. Most churches are somewhere between these two extremes.

That being said, it’s probably important to note that no one church is for everybody. Seekers will be lost in a High Church setting, and those growing in their faith may outgrow a service geared for seekers. Each church is gifted in some areas, just as each believer is gifted in some areas. No one church can appeal to everyone.

So back to the original question: Is Church for everybody? I believe the answer is yes! There is a church out there that is right for every believer. I also believe that my church is not right for everybody. Everybody needs the encouragement and fellowship of being part of the Body of Christ. Everybody needs to feel like part of the family – a church family – a family that sometimes cares more than your own natural family. Everybody needs a support structure – and what better support structure can you find than a church that is reaching out in the name of God’s love.

But if the church doesn’t fit your worship style, if it doesn’t match some of your gifts, and if it doesn’t make you feel welcome, than it’s not for you. That doesn’t mean that church just isn’t for you. It means that maybe that church isn’t the best church for you. Find another one!

You are part of the Body of Christ – the Church is the Body of Christ. You can’t be part of the Body of Christ, apart from the Body of Christ! You need the Church. If you are a believer, then church is for you!