Rooted – Week 10: Do We Really Need the Church? Description: We live in a culture that loves Jesus but is skeptical of His church. In the final week of Rooted, we’re reminded that following Jesus apart from His body is impossible. The church isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this message, we explore: – Why the church is God’s plan for community and mission – What it means to be the “called-out ones” (ekklesia) – How belonging to the church shapes our faith and character – Why baptism and communion are not rituals but reminders of family The church may be imperfect, but it’s God’s perfect plan to reveal His love to the world.
Series: Rooted
Week 10 Title: Do We Really Need the Church?
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25, 1 Peter 2:9, Galatians 6:10, Matthew 12:46–50, Romans 12:9–16, Romans 12:1–2, Acts 2:41–42
Big Idea:
You can’t follow Jesus apart from His body. The church isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Many say, “I believe in God, but not the church.” Yet the God of Scripture deeply identifies with His church.
When Saul persecuted believers, Jesus said, “Why are you persecuting Me?”—He equates Himself with His people.
The “church” is not a building but a people — ekklesia, “the called-out ones.”
Called out of sin and darkness.
Called into community and light (1 Peter 2:9).
Galatians 6:10 — We do good especially to the family of believers.
The church is not a club; it’s a family — a place of belonging, accountability, and encouragement.
Jesus redefined family: “Whoever does the will of my Father… is my brother, sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:50)
The church is good for the world. Even skeptics admit its impact.
Romans 12:9–16 — The church is where love becomes action:
Sincere love, shared burdens, hospitality, humility, forgiveness.
“We cannot become more loving, generous, or patient in isolation.”
Faith grows and refines in community.
The church isn’t perfect—but it’s God’s chosen vessel to make His love visible.
Romans 12:1–2 — Offer your bodies as living sacrifices.
Sōma (Greek) means your whole embodied life—your actions, relationships, energy, speech, habits.
God doesn’t just want church attendance—He wants all of you.
The church is where we learn to live out this surrendered life together.
Acts 2:41–42 — They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
Baptism and communion are not rituals—they’re family moments.
Communion: the sacrifice of Jesus unites us.
Baptism: publicly declares new life and belonging.
The church is where we believe together, belong together, and become together.
Baptism isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting line.
Final Thought:
The church is imperfect people worshiping a perfect God.
You don’t need to agree with everything to belong—but you do need to belong to grow.