Why Church?

Question / Comment

Dr Dave, why do churches need pastors? Wasn't it Jesus' idea that He is our pastor? Also, why do we need to go to church? Can't we just chill out as Christians? Hope this question is not received offensively

Response

Jesus saw the need of sheep to have shepherds. It is certainly true that Jesus is our “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4) but, as our Chief Shepherd, He appointed pastors to feed and tend the flock (Eph 4:11). So the concept of pastors is clearly biblical and part of God’s plan for the church. You ask why we need to go to church. Again, the biblical admonition is to do so, to “fellowship” and to “assemble together” (Heb 10:25) and not to neglect doing so. Christian fellowship and assembly should be a high priority for Christians – sadly, for many today church is where you go when you have nothing else to do on Sunday morning, but that’s the Biblical way. Can you be a Christian and NOT go to church? Yes, just as you can jump out of an aircraft without a parachute – but it sure helps to have one!