The ‘name’ of the church continues to erode in our current culture. The church’s reputation
as a relevant organization these days is not what it used to be. Much of this has to do with
the secularization of our culture. As people become more focused inwardly on their own
emotions, desires and passions, they are less likely to look toward anything spiritual for the
answers to their lives (maybe at least, until a crisis comes along…).
Another reason for the decline is the church is that as churches move more toward trends
and beliefs that grow out of our pop culture, the church begins to look more like all the
other organizations that we see and experience. Unfortunately, way too many churches
(and one church is too many) are shifting policies and ministries to align with the
increasingly secular culture. When the church beings to look like all the other organizations
and entities available in society, a legitimate question is ‘Why should I even be a part of
‘church’.
But no matter what man does to or with the church, it remains the most potent force the
world has ever known. It has been the HOPE of the world for over 2,000 years, and even
though it’s influence may be diminishing, there is no other institution that has even a
chance of fostering real spiritual transformation among its people.
Consider one of the points in the Integrity Statement of Beliefs….
The universal church consists of all persons who have been reconciled, through saving
faith, to God by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The local church is an assembly of
believers that is to function in accordance with principles set forth in the New Testament. It
is a body of believers that form a community of faith in all aspects of life. The local church
must be relevant to current society. -Acts 2:42-47
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18–19 (NLT) 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which
means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not
conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. ….”
The Universal Church is the spiritual body of people who, through the ages have placed
their trust and faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and for His provision of
a much fuller life on earth AND an eternity in heaven with Him. When someone, through
the Gospel, genuinely accepts Jesus as their Savior, they become a part of this universal
body. They also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Who, through His indwelling Presence
in us, empowers us to live like Jesus. In the church, the multiplicative power of the Holy
Spirit Who is alive in ALL genuine believers, causes the church to have amazing
opportunities for transformation in the lives of people.
God has a beautiful purpose for His Church – Christ followers coming together to advance
God’s Kingdom agenda on the earth by
a) living out the principles and precepts of His Word, and
b) discovering their unique ‘makeup’ (how God made them) and utilizing those unique
attributes in service to the church and in concert with other believers, to build the church
and to reach others for the cause of Christ.
Acts 2:42–47 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and
to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous
signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared
everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money
with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for
the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while
praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to
their fellowship those who were being saved.
At Integrity Church, we believe strongly that CHURCH is first an IDENTITY, and not a
DESTINATION. In other words, as a follower of Jesus, church is not where you go, but
WHO YOU ARE!
We also believe that CHURCH is a VERB. It’s not where you go, it’s WHAT YOU DO!
Bottom line, being a part of the church as a genuine believer in Jesus, addresses the
IDENTITY (Who you are) and ACTION (What you do) issues in your life.
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