When I say the word “church,” your mind probably goes to a million places.

Everyone has had a different journey with the church during their lifetime. I am grateful to say that my experience with the church has been a blessing. I grew up in a small church in North Carolina. My mother held the title of “ministry coordinator” although others lovingly referred to her as “the boss.” My dad served on our worship team, and my sister and I eventually joined him.

We were basically in the church every time the doors were open, and sometimes in the middle of the night to set up for events the next day. So, I got a glimpse into the rollercoaster ride of ups and downs in ministry. And I’m here to tell you, it’s not always pretty. Because we are human, there is always going to be church hurt, offense, drama, and chaos.

But on the other side of that, there is nothing more fulfilling than watching your family, friends, or complete strangers find Jesus and a community of believers. It makes it all worth it.

Riley Clemmons’ song “Church Pew” spoke to me because she also grew up in the church. This song explores the idea of the memories that are held within those seats that the congregation sits in week after week.

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If those pews could speak for me, they would tell the story of when my sister and I were both dedicated as babies. They would tell the story of my mom telling me to quit hiding under the pews on Sunday night service as a kid. They would tell the story of our church moving into a whole new building. They would tell the story of thinking of lunch plans when I should have been paying attention to the sermon. They would tell the story of God’s word being spoken over me and my family. They would tell the story of endless prayers and comforts when my family lost loved ones. They would tell the story of vacation Bible schools, Christmas plays, and baptisms. They would tell my story.

And I’m not saying all of this to tell you that salvation requires you to go to church or even to grow up in church. Because that is false. But I am saying that I would not be where I am today had it not been for my church. It is my haven and my second home. The Church is not just a building. It’s a body of believers coming together to do life together! And that is beautiful.

Take a listen to Riley’s song and I’ll put some lyrics to her song below the video. After that, stick around for what the Bible says about the Church and why it is important.

I sat down in an old church pewSame way that I always doEvery Sunday morning since I was a kid

And for some reason I couldn’t helpThinking ’bout the tales that bench could tellOf people who sat here just like this

People full of faithPeople full of doubtPeople all just trying their bestTo figure it all out

Church pews, they’ve got storiesThey got so much that they’ve seenThe best of saints, the worst of sinnersAnd every bit of in between

We all come for different reasonsBut Lord knows we all need Jesus

And He’s always saving room for me and youRight here in this church pew

Funeral flowers and wedding ringsUsers trying to just get cleanDoesn’t matter why we’re walking through that door

Thoses echoes of amazing graceKeep on ringing through this placeAnd leave us different than we were before

People lifting handsPeople crying tearsThe beautiful and brokenAll are welcome here

Church pews, they’ve got storiesThey got so much that they’ve seenThe best of saints, the worst of sinnersAnd every bit of in between

We all come for different reasons

But Lord knows we all need JesusAnd He’s always saving room for me and you right here

Right here in this church pew

What does “church” mean?

You’ve probably heard the phrase “the church is the body of Christ” (Ephesians 1:22-23 NLT) But what does that mean? The scripture just uses this metaphor to call Christ the head and us the body. And all that boils down to us as believers striving to be like Jesus.

1 Corinthians 12 lays it out perfectly by explaining that the body has several parts that serve different functions/purposes. That analogy represents that we are all different in our callings but we are all called to be a part of the body!

Lastly, the church is also called “The bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:21-33 NLT). This is just to emphasize the deep and intimate relationship that Jesus invites us into with Him.

Why is church important?

God tells us that we need each other.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” | Hebrews 10:25 NLT

When the Lord saw Adam all alone, he sent Eve. In one of Jesus’ parables, a man was left on the side of the road for dead, and God sent the good Samaritan. When the Jewish nation was terrorized, God sent Esther. When the Israelites were enslaved, God sent Moses. And when Moses thought he couldn’t do it alone, he asked his brother Aaron to come with him.

We all have flaws. But that’s the beauty of the church. Because we can come together as a community, flaws and all, to help each other learn and grow in the Lord.

Watch Riley Clemmons Perform on the TODAY Show