Why join a church?

As an active member of my church, I think a lot about our ministry and the people who are involved.  One major phenomenon that we have been experiencing is a decline in numbers.  People have left.  People have left to other churches.  People are planning to leave to other churches.  I can understand how people may have been disappointed or discouraged.  Some may have different visions or goals with ministry and worship.  A few may simply leave because their visa, job, or program is coming to an end.  Whatever the situation is, I hope that every believer will join a church.

Why join a church?

"Here's the problem with modern Americans.  Most of the reasons why you should join a church are not what you get out of it.  That's the biggest problem.  There are definitely advantages to being members if you really know your own heart.  The main advantage to being a member actually is an increased sense of accountability.  Almost all of the reasons for being members is not what you're getting out of it but what you give to the church and what you're giving to God.  You join the church because everything the Bible's done is in covenant.  Everything is vows and covenants because you don't trust your own heart.  Another reason why to join is so that you can vote.  You can take part in the major decisions.  Another reason to join is so that you can serve possibly in some leadership positions where you have to be a member in order to serve.  Almost all of the reasons for joining are not 'What do I get out of it?'  They're almost all 'What does the church get out of me joining it?' and the church gets a whole lot out of you joining it.  We live in a consumer culture and because we live in a consumer culture, I think a lot of people aren't going to join cause they're saying, 'I don't see what I get out of it.'"
-Tim Keller from Q&A

Love and join the church because Christ loves and joins the church. 

Thought of the Day:   Praying Our Tears
Song of the Day:  Jaurim-미안해 널 미워해