Why Church Matters: How the Local Church Builds Faith, Purpose, and Belonging
Today, we’re stepping into Week 2 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting leading up to launch Sunday! And today, I want to remind us how great the Church is:
Pastor Bill Hybels says it this way,
“The local church is the hope of the world.”
That’s not just a good quote. That’s truth. When we gather, we aren’t just attending a service, we are stepping into HOPE.
Hope for our families.
Hope for our neighbors.
Hope for our city.
Hope for the world.
A Sunday We’ll Never Forget
Yesterday, Kara and I took advantage of the last calm Sunday pre-launch.
We slept in (and by sleeping in, I mean we were up at 6:00am — but we didn’t rush out the door, so that’s a win!), we went on a walk, watched football and most importantly we celebrated with our kids. We sat with them and told them how proud we are of them, and that just one year ago they agreed to turn their lives upside down (Yes, Berkeley even referenced Kara’s book, Walking Upside Down that she published this last year) and move from WA to CA, leaving comfort, friends, and familiarity to plant a church.
Each of them were able to list friends who are now a part of Discover Church or coming on Sept. 21st to launch Sunday because of this radical sacrifice.
That moment reminded me of how it all started…
I’ll never forget when Kara and I first started dreaming about planting Discover. I remember sitting at a coffee shop, overwhelmed by these thoughts:
Will people actually come? Will this matter?
In that moment, God brought me back to when we first got married and lived in Portland, OR.
From Searching to Sent
We were newly married and young, looking for a church. We had different backgrounds and upbringings. Yet weekend after weekend we “Church shopped.”
Oh we hated it.
I would like the worship, she wouldn’t. She’d like the teaching, I’d walk away with a no. Then the next weekend we’d both head to the car disappointed that it just wasn’t it.
Then we found it.
A place that felt like HOME.
A place that didn’t necessarily meet all our preferences, but it just fit. A place where we felt God was calling us to say yes to and make our church home. And now, we’re planting that kind of church for others.
Because the Church matters.
5 Reasons the Church Is So Important to Me
1️⃣ It’s God’s Plan A
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18
Jesus could’ve picked any plan—but the Church is His chosen way to reach the world.
2️⃣ It reminds me I’m not alone
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
The Church isn’t perfect. It’s messy. It’s a hospital for the sick, weary, and burdened. But it’s also a miracle. It’s not a cruise ship. It’s a battleship—and we’re in it together.
3️⃣ It strengthens my faith
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” – Romans 10:17
When we worship, pray, and hear the Word together, our faith grows. Being amongst others who are experiencing the same challenges with parenting, marriage, health, and faith only strengthens my reliance on God as we pray with one another, encourage one another, and find hope in one another’s stories and testimonies.
4️⃣ It gives me purpose
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27
We Discover our gifts in the context of the Church. (Yes, pun intended 😜). We are all created uniquely and intentionally by God. Not one of us is an accident — and they way He created us fits perfectly in His plan for humanity. The gifts He’s given you are designed to serve the church, serve others, and make a difference.
5️⃣ It’s a glimpse of heaven
Every Sunday is a snapshot of eternity—lost becoming found, broken being healed, people set free. There’s a reason why worship, a message, prayer, or even just walking into the room can bring us to tears — it’s a small taste of eternity — God’s presence is in the room. (Cue the worship song “In the Room” - Maverick City Music | Naomi Raine | Tasha Cobbs Leonard).
This Week, Keep Praying + Inviting
As we continue to pray and fast this week, remember the TWO PEOPLE you want to worship with on September 21st.
Pray for them.
Text them.
Invite them.
Because who you bring could have their eternity changed.
We’re not just launching a service—we’re launching a move of God. We’re not just building a church—we’re building a home for people to encounter Jesus.
You were made for this.
You are seen.
You are loved.
You are believed in.
See you Sunday (or maybe sooner).
Let’s keep going.
– Pastor Kyle
Discover Church | www.discoverchurchsd.com
