Great churches are no accident. They are not created nor are they maintained without great commitment on the part of their members. Although preaching, programming and planning are important, they will never be effective without a committed and sacrificial spirit on the part of each member in the local church.Paul expressed this thought in these words found in Ephesians 4:15-16: “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ – from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
There must be a great commitment to truth. Too many churches today have developed a reckless attitude toward the teaching of Scripture. In some congregations, the Bible is no longer viewed as the inspired word of God and consequently does not occupy a prominent role in the teaching of Bible classes or in the pulpit. Members are not challenged to read and study the Scriptures for themselves as the noble Bereans did in Acts 17:11.
There must a great commitment to attendance (Hebrews 10:23-25). When a church has fewer than fifty percent of its membership returning for Sunday or Wednesday evening services, there is a serious and sinister problem of a spiritual nature at work. Churches may try to “beef up” or “change” formats and formulas all they want, but the crux of the matter remains the “heart” of the individual Christian (Romans 6:17). Why would one who is truly a dedicated follower of the Lord, want to be somewhere other than with fellow Christians studying Scripture, and worshiping whenever the opportunity presents itself?
Brother Charles Hodge has written, “Here and there weekending is killing the church. Brethren are out of town two or three times a month. Forget evening services, special meetings, and having time to serve as elders, deacons, teachers and designated servants.” It takes firm commitment to be faithful in our attendance if we are truly going to assist in building up the local church. Great churches are comprised of those who have a great commitment to the great commission. Individuals who take the Lord’s command to “preach the gospel to every person” (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15) seriously. Great churches do not have to beg for teachers. On the contrary, there should always be those waiting in reserve to step in and fill a position when needed. Hard truths and realities? Perhaps. I am convinced, however, by personal experience, observation and above all, biblical instruction, that they [members who are committed] are much needed in our day. —Steve Reeves
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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