In this episode of Seeking with Shari, “What About the Church?,” Shari addresses the diverse and often emotional experiences people have with the church. She acknowledges that while the church is meant to be a place of welcome and spiritual growth, it can sometimes be a source of negative feelings due to varied practices, expressions of worship, and interpretations of scripture.
Through her message and these powerful scriptures, she reminds us that the church is not the building, but the people, and its ultimate purpose is to bring us together to worship God and support one another:
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching”. This verse emphasizes the importance of gathering together for mutual encouragement.
- Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”. This promise from Jesus highlights His presence in any gathering of believers, no matter how small.
- Ephesians 4:11-13 – Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ”. This passage outlines the church’s role in spiritual growth and unity.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it”. This scripture beautifully illustrates that the church is a unified body with Christ as the head, where every member is essential.
- Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. This verse describes the foundational activities of the early church, which remain central to its purpose today.
Videos:
- YouTube: What About the Church?
- Rumble: What About the Church?
If you’ve had experiences that have made you hesitant about church, this episode offers a fresh perspective. Tune in for a reminder that the church, in its purest form, is a community of believers growing together in faith. Shari encourages you to find a small group or Bible study if a traditional church setting feels overwhelming, emphasizing that the most important thing is to connect with God and other believers.