What does it mean to belong to a church? Sometimes we misuse the phrasing when we discuss church. As we rightly understand the church is not a building but a (kirk) or circle of people. Belonging then is not strictly about attendance or consuming a product from a business. Belonging entails a far deeper connectedness, as each person serves one piece of the larger circle, living within the circle (church or kirk) in such a way as to provoke the phrase “what would we be without you?”
The Lord calls us to belong, not only to Him but to His people. He even uses examples like marriage. Not one of us would think it healthy to view marriage as simply wearing a ring or having a joint tax return. When struggles show up between you and your spouse—indeed, they do— our expectation in a healthy view of marriage includes striving together, looking to humility, understanding, love, and unity as the various parts of our shared goal (Ephesians 5:29–30). Being a member in the body of Christ is similar; we recognize unity is not about the occasional vote or the “card carrying” role. Belonging isn’t even the same as volunteering, even though our volunteers are essential! Belonging ought to be thought when we hear about the church, the body of Christ.
What does it mean to be in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27)? Such supernatural participation means something far richer, and more satisfying is going on than belonging anywhere else. For many, we can understand commitment to church as commitment to a business or commitment to a mechanistic board, where individuals do a service and move their piece along the track. Commitment is relevant but it is not the whole or even primary concern of what we see in Scripture. The Redeemer places even the loners into families wherein they belong one to another (Psalm 68:6). However, inviting someone to belong hits differently than asking for a commitment. Belonging entails devotion to one another, vulnerability, accountability, humility, prayer, conviction, edification, empathy, reconciliation, and so on. Commitment requires an obligation, which may accidentally fall into an interpersonal relationship.
A ministry of belonging necessarily includes all the gracious benefits of spiritual fruitfulness. A church that practices belonging simply practices the union of Christ inwardly and outwardly. Why? Because we are “members of His household” (Eph. 2:19). Because “we are a chosen people” not just a chosen person (1 Pet. 2:9). Because we are children of God, by the working of His Spirit in us (Rom. 8:16). Because, though diverse and unique, we are yet made one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). The healthiest, most satisfied individuals are those who find belonging (according to a 1995 study by Roy Baumeister at Florida State). And for the Christian, it is because of the spiritual need to belong both to Christ and His people.
Don’t just commit to church, commit because you belong. Search and discover you indeed belong to this family of believers. Contribute by bringing others along that they too may feel the worth of belonging. We have need to confront issues of need, of gossip, of anxiety, of division, of temptation, of coarse humor. Not as busybodies, but because each of these issues strikes at the core of our belonging. Instead, we resolve these issues and serve one another in order to foster an even greater atmosphere of belonging. How sweet to hear the voice of God’s people call your name as you enter the door—knowing and enjoying the assurance that God’s people recognize you. Let that be our obedient work this week, assuring those around us that they indeed belong to us, yes, but most importantly, they belong to Christ.
Our new monthly Belonging Meal is the first Sunday of the month. Please join ready to eat and experience joyful, meaningful fellowship together with your forever family.
Pastor Chris
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