Life in the Church

A person becomes a Christian by turning from his or her sins and trusting in Jesus Christ, not by earning salvation through church participation or any other religious act. On the other hand, it is not possible to obey God and grow as a Christian apart from a local church. For example, the author of Hebrews exhorts us: “And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching” (10:24–25, italics mine). Put simply, God designed us not only to be in relationship with himself but also to be in relationship with one another.

Below I recommend resources to help you learn about life in the local church from various perspectives—from finding a healthy local church to participating actively within one.

How to Identify a Healthy Local Church: These are some of my brief reflections on the characteristics of a healthy local church. If you are not attending a church regularly, or if you are attending a religious group that denies the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith, then please prioritize your search for a church.

True Community by Jerry Bridges (1 or 2): The author organizes his book around the idea of fellowship—discussing, for example, the fellowship (or partnership) of the gospel (Phil. 1:5). An accessible introduction to living in community with other Christians.

Improving Your Serve by Charles R. Swindoll (1 or 2): The author explores the mind, heart, and hands of a servant—information that we can apply within all our life contexts, particularly our families and local churches.

*Side by Side by Edward T. Welch (2): “This book identifies the skills we need to help one another” (p. 11) so we can both give help and receive help. The author establishes a practical theology of life in the body of Christ, such as greeting one another, having compassion and praying during times of trouble, and talking explicitly about sin.

*What Is a Healthy Church? by Mark Dever (2): The author clearly and concisely outlines nine marks of a healthy church—some of which he identifies as “essential,” and some of which he identifies as “important.” His longer book, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (3 or 4), is excellent, though better suited for present or future church leaders.

Why bother with church? by Sam Allberry (2): The author asks and answers important questions about church, such as “Why do I need church?” and “How can I be a good church member?”

The Compelling Community by Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop (3): This book explains what a local church looks like in action: preaching and teaching God’s Word, praying, and announcing the good news that Jesus died and rose from the dead. The authors fill the book with sound, practical advice.

Spiritual Gifts by Thomas R. Schreiner (3 or 4): Though I do not agree with Schreiner’s view that certain spiritual gifts in the New Testament (such as prophecy) have now ceased, this is my favorite book on spiritual gifts from one of my favorite authors. Some parts of the book are too technical for the average reader, but the book is well-organized and exceptionally clear.