In today’s world, it’s easy to see the brokenness around us. From economic challenges to personal struggles, people are hurting and searching for hope. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be the church in this broken world, showing His love in practical ways.

This past week, a group of men and boys from our church went to help a man by cutting a tree out of his yard—something he couldn’t do himself. This man wasn’t even a member of our church, but he needed help. That’s what being the church looks like: serving others, regardless of their background or affiliation. It’s about living out our faith by actively sharing God’s love with the people around us.

Being the church is more than attending services; it's being the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. Whether it's giving backpacks of supplies and Bibles to families in need or helping someone in practical ways, the church is called to love and serve. But for the church to truly fulfill its mission, it must be healthy. And for that to happen, its members need to be obedient to Christ.

 First and foremost, being part of the church requires being a believer in Jesus Christ. Salvation is the starting point—becoming a member of God’s family through faith. However, Scripture also teaches that baptism is a key step of obedience. Baptism is a public declaration that we are followers of Jesus, and it is through baptism that believers are added to the local church (Acts 2:41).

It’s important to note that while every believer is part of God’s family through salvation, being a part of a local church requires commitment. If someone isn’t willing to follow Jesus in baptism or is living in open sin, they need to examine their walk with God. Being a part of the church means being obedient to biblical principles and living a life that reflects Christ. It’s not about perfection, but about a desire to grow and follow Him.

Some people argue that because we’ll all be in heaven one day without the formal structure of a church, it’s not necessary to be part of one here on earth. However, Scripture clearly commands us to be active participants in the local church. As believers, we are called to make disciples, teach others, and live out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This can only happen effectively within the context of a local church.

Yes, the church is made up of broken people. Some say, “I don’t want to go to church because of the hypocrites.” But we are all broken, sinful people in need of a Savior. The church isn’t about being perfect; it’s about coming together as forgiven people to share the light of Jesus in a dark world. We are called out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), and that light is meant to be shared with others.

The New Testament word for "church" is ekklesia, meaning “called-out ones” or “an assembly.” As the church, we are called out of sin and darkness and called into the light of Christ. But being the church goes beyond where we meet. Whether it’s in a building, a home, or a public place, the church is not about the location; it’s about the people and who we are meeting under—the authority of God.

Originally, the term ekklesia was used to refer to a group of people called out to legislate and govern in the public sphere. It’s significant that Jesus used this term to describe the church because it shows that the church is meant to have an impact on the culture. The church is not to be shaped by the world, but rather, we are to bring the light of Christ to influence the world around us.

Some may question the importance of church membership, but Scripture supports the idea of being committed to a local body of believers. The early church gathered in Jerusalem, and as people were saved, they were baptized and added to the church (Acts 2:41-42). They continued steadfastly in doctrine, fellowship, and prayer. This model shows that being part of the church involves more than just attending—it requires active participation and continued growth in Christ.

Being added to the church isn’t just a formality. It’s a commitment to love, serve, and grow alongside other believers. Church membership matters because it provides accountability, spiritual growth, and an opportunity to serve God’s kingdom.

One of the greatest challenges facing the church today is the pressure to conform to the culture. But as the church, we are called to be set apart and to bring the truth of God’s Word to a world in need. Our mission is not to reflect the world but to reflect Christ. We must stand firm on biblical principles, pushing back against the forces of politics, trends, and cultural shifts that go against God’s Word.

It’s time for the church to rise up and be the church. Think about how people treat a football game—they’ll show up on time, stay for hours, and not miss a moment of the action. Yet, when it comes to church, many are quick to look at their watches or find excuses to miss. We need to have the same intensity and dedication to God’s house as we do for our favorite sports teams or activities.

The church is not just a building or a gathering—it’s a movement of believers under the authority of God, empowered to change the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Being the church in a broken world means living out our faith through love, service, and obedience. It means being committed to a local body of believers where we can grow, serve, and make a difference for Christ. We are called to be the light in the darkness, sharing the hope of Jesus with a world in need. Let’s rise up and be the church—boldly, faithfully, and unashamedly.