Doing Church

I very often hear people say that they don't do church because, "I can worship anywhere."  They may even include the old quip, "Sitting in a church house doesn't make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a hen house will make you a chicken." 

I would agree with both of those statements but neither discount the need of "doing church."  You can  worship anywhere but the reason we are called to gather as Christians is "to encourage one another" (Heb 10:25), something you can't do alone.

Sitting in a hen house doesn't make one a chicken but where would you go to find chickens?  In a hen house.  Why?  Cause that's where chickens gather with other chickens - even though a fox or weasel might show up. 

"Doing church" is about community, not salvation or ritualized worship.  The apostle Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit assigns us as various parts of the body of Christ (church) having a function for each to carry out collectively, not separately and individually (cf 1 Cor 12:1ff). 

Could imagine your feet not going to the hair salon with your head because they didn't need a trim. Or your hands not joining in to open the door?  Do your feet only show up when it's time for a pedicure and your hands hold out until a manicure is in store? 

No, the whole body functions together, regardless of which member receives attention that day.  Each part of the body will receive needed attention in due time.  And, sometimes it's a full-body massage and spa day!  Jus' Say'n.