More Than a Club

There is an organization in our community called "The Dummy Club".  As I understand it, years ago there were some men gathered around talking about the problems in the community.  Someone suggested that they do more than complain.  The response was, "What can a bunch of dummies like us ever do?" Well most people would have left it at that, but these men decided to find out.  Since then the Dummies have been a significant organization who have done a lot of good for the community.

And the Dummies are not the only club that is out there doing good.  In our community there are Lions, Moose, Eagles, Shriners, Oddfellows, American Legion and VFW.  I am sure that I am forgetting some, and that they too do great things.  These organizations are an important part of any community.

Did you notice on the list of important community organizations that I didn't list any churches?  That is because a church is not a club.

A church is something different.

There is a difference between a church and a club.  Admittedly there are some similarities.  A church has a building where people gather.  You are likely to get to know people and will probably become friends.  Both are likely to do things to help their community.  But churches are different.

The purpose of a church is to worship the one all mighty God.  In that function we gather together.  In that function we serve those less fortunate than ourselves.  The difference between a church and a club is that fellowship and service are means to an end, not an end in and of themselves.  A church exists to spread God's message of hope and love to a world that absolutely needs to hear it.  If they happen to have great music and a dynamic pastor, that is a bonus, not a requirement.

Watch this video from Pastor Chris.

A church is not a club.  It's not here for us.  We're here for it.  The purpose of a church is not to fill our needs and provide for us a social life.  The purpose of a church is to bring glory to God.  That happens to be out purpose too.