Benefits of Corporate Worship

By Pastor Chad

There is only one authentic way to get vitamin B12: in animal-sourced protein. According to Healthline.com, B12 is an “essential nutrient that’s almost exclusively found in animal-sourced foods, such as fish, meat, dairy products, and eggs.” Though there are synthetic supplements on the market, nothing can supply B12 like animal-source meat. Those who maintain a vegan diet are susceptible to various health complications if certain measures are not followed. Thus, many (though not all) nutritionists claim that animal protein is part of a well-rounded, healthy diet.  

In an analogous way, corporate church worship provides a unique spiritual nourishment. In corporate worship, at a gospel-centered local church, a unique grace is dispensed. Though God distributes grace perpetually upon all, there is a distinct infusion that takes place in corporate worship. The grace given is a particular opportunity and ability to “draw near” to the Lord (Hebrews 10:22). God can and does reveal Himself in many different ways; there are certain practices, however, through which He pours out a special grace upon all good-faith participants. The bottom line is: active corporate worship in a local church is important to one’s spiritual health. There are those who are homebound, sick, on vacation, first responders, etc. who understandably cannot consistently make it. Generally speaking, however, it is a sin to willingly and knowingly skip corporate worship (Hebrews 10:25). Perhaps that comes across a bit blunt. I don’t mean to be overly pointed, but I do believe you deserve the truth. 

In general, one cannot grow in faith if he is not a part of the local church. Let me state it bluntly: if you willingly choose not to attend church, you are spiritually unhealthy (if you have a spiritual life at all). Generally speaking, if church is not a priority to you, then God is not a priority to you. Active local church involvement is a necessary spiritual discipline for proper spiritual growth. Again, there are a limited number of circumstances that would exclude this truth, but the vast majority of us are not exempt. Furthermore, many work really hard to find an excuse to avoid active church attendance rather than work really hard to be involved. The church is an institution that is given to us by God so that we can maintain a thriving, healthy walk with the Lord. It is a body that is used by God to help us persevere in the faith. In other words, you need the church to have a robust walk with the Lord. 

The online live feed is a great tool for shut-ins and others who are unable to attend. Make no mistake, however, it is no substitute for active involvement in corporate worship. 

While our ministry groups are great, and I encourage everyone to be a part of one, the grace I spoke of above, is only found in an organized, intentional corporate worship. 

This may sound like I am overstating my case. Perhaps you agree that corporate worship is helpful but not necessary to a Christian’s walk with the Lord. I remind you that the Bible never discusses the idea of a churchless Christian. Such a concept is as foreign to the pages of Sacred Scripture as a righteous demon. Jesus did not start a political party, a disorganized activist movement, an organized social group, or a book club for Bible nerds; He started a church. 

What is the church? The word “church” comes from the Greek word ecclesia, which means a “called out assembly” or “gathering.” It is hard for just one to assemble. Additionally, Scripture gives us a blueprint for church organization and structure, along with clear descriptions of the offices of the church. 

The idea that anyone calling themselves “Christian” can ignore the institution Jesus founded and organized seems as bizarre as an NFL player ignoring the structure and rules of football. Are you really playing football if you aren’t following the organized structure and rules of the game? Correspondingly, are you really living like Christ called you to live if you ignore the church He founded and built?