Why is it important to be part of a local body called a church? Jesus established the church as the Body that the gates of hell wouldn’t prevail against. Matthew 16:18 says, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. “

As you gather together within your local church the Lord promises to be there with His body. Matthew 18:20 states, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” The church is Jesus’ personal mark in the earth from which we receive perfection in our walk with Christ as we sharpen one another. It’s what lets the world know that the Father sent Jesus. 

(John 17:21, 23) 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Also, Ephesians 4:11-12, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

Skipping church attendance will weaken you. This aforementioned scripture says that you’ll miss out on being sharpened and perfected by the ministry gifts (Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, etc.) God gave to the body. After salvation God expects you to learn where you fit in the body and perform a work for Christ. The knowledge and instruction you need to accomplish your work will come through those ministers set within that local body. Thus, membership and regular attendance are critical. The Bible teaches not to forsake regular church attendance. It says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” –  Hebrews 10:25

Through local church attendance, you learn the Word of God and are strengthened in the faith. Then you can go out and effectively minister the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:14-17 records 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.