Have you ever wondered about your role in supporting the church and its various ministries? As Christians, we are called to play an active part in the body of Christ, not just as attendees but as contributors. In this conversation, we’ll explore the importance of supporting the church, backed by scripture, and discuss how to change if you haven’t been actively involved. 

The Bible emphasizes the significance of supporting the church and its ministries. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) reminds us, “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.” 

The Body Church has a longstanding tradition of prioritizing evangelism and supporting both local and foreign ministries. Over the years, we’ve welcomed various visitors, and some have expressed that they were not seeking a church that emphasized active participation but rather a place to attend, worship, and then return home. As you might expect, those individuals visited but eventually moved on, as our church’s focus aligns with active involvement and service.

We’ve also witnessed individuals who initially joined our church, attending faithfully and actively serving. However, as their fervor for Jesus dwindled, they gradually transitioned into becoming regular attendees who were no longer actively engaged in the church or its ministries. Through the years, various life circumstances, such as illness, career shifts, family changes, and the evolving seasons of life, have also played a role in limiting people’s capacity for active involvement.

However, there’s one constant that has remained unchanged throughout Pastor Tim’s more than 20 years of leading our church. That unchanging aspect is the unwavering call, the persistent challenge, and the continuous encouragement to all members of the church, The Body, to actively engage and put into practice the teachings of the Bible, rather than simply hearing them.

Here Are A Few Ways to Support the Church and Its Ministries:
1. Regular Attendance: Attend church services consistently. Your presence can be a source of encouragement and fellowship for fellow believers. Hebrews 10:25 explains how meeting together regularly helps believers to encourage each other and grow in faith.

2. Financial Support: Give tithes and offerings to sustain the church’s ministries and outreach efforts. Malachi 3:10 (NIV) encourages us to bring our tithes: “Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver and how giving is a form of worship.

3. Volunteer Your Time and Skills: Get involved in various church ministries, using your talents and skills to contribute. Whether it’s teaching, serving, or organizing events, your involvement makes a difference. 1 Peter 4:10 tells us that each of us has received a gift to serve others faithfully.

4. Prayer Support: Pray for the church, its leaders, and its ministries. Your prayers can bring about spiritual growth and effectiveness. Philippians 4:6 explains how prayer is a powerful tool that can change situations and bring peace, which our worlds so badly need.

If you haven’t been actively supporting the church and its ministries, don’t be discouraged. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) offers reassurance: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” It’s never too late to change and start fulfilling your role. 

Galatians 6:2 talks about bearing each other’s burdens so therefore God thinks it is important for us to support each other in the church community.

The Greek word for “support” in Galatians 6:2 is “bastazo,” which means to take up, bear, or carry. This word is also used in Matthew 8:17, where it talks about Jesus taking our illnesses and bearing our diseases. This is a powerful illustration of how we are called to support each other in the church.

Supporting the church and its ministries is not just a duty but a privilege. It’s a way to be part of a community of faith and contribute to the spread of the gospel. The call to support the church is not just a suggestion; it’s a biblical mandate. So, let’s answer the call, whether it’s through regular attendance, financial support, volunteering, or prayer. By actively participating, we become vital components of the body of Christ, and our actions can lead to spiritual growth and transformation within the church. Today is the day to change, to get involved, and to embrace your role with open arms.