Why the Church is So Important to Me and My Family – Part 1

As I ponder the present state of this world, the daily routine which my family is currently constrained to, and the hope of restoration for Americans and God-fearing men alike, I cannot help but proclaim that THE CHURCH IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME AND MY FAMILY! It is essential—an indispensable part of life and also a freedom that all men should be able to enjoy. Why? Because God commands us to assemble together to worship Him and to exhort one another in the Christian life. The freedom of worship is foundational to America’s being. Thus, the church is essential both to our nation and to every home (no matter the country). It is not a business or an entertaining diversion; it is an ordained assembly set apart from this world for the cause of Christ. I cannot imagine my life without my church, North Valley Baptist Church, because it has made such an impact on me personally. As I reflect on the goodness of God, several reasons come to mind as to why I believe the church is so important to me and my family:

1. Salvation

The church is the place in which people can hear about the way of salvation. Its number one purpose is to spread the gospel around the world! I was saved at a teen revival—a church function. Thousands of people have walked down the aisles of our church to receive Christ as their Savior. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8) was given to God’s people to fulfill by way of the church. And were it not for the church, so many people would not have the opportunity to hear about the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

2. Baptism

I was baptized at my church after trusting Christ as my Savior (Acts 2:41). That first step of obedience started my journey in the Christian life and allowed me to grow more in His grace.

3. Pastor

Every person needs the man of God to guide him along his journey. My pastor (Pastor Jack Trieber) has dedicated almost forty-five years of his life to ministering to the people of North Valley. His love, guidance, prayer, work, and sacrifice were imperative to any success my life has had. My husband and I cannot imagine making any major decisions without his counsel. My pastor shepherds God’s people with unparalleled care, and we are so blessed because of it (Hebrews 13:17)! I want my little girls to have that same love for their pastor as my husband and I do because our pastor really is the best! Likewise, every person ought to believe that his pastor is the best and make him a big part of his life as well.

4. Home

The home ought to mirror the church, and I believe my parents did their best to do that. Growing up, my life revolved around the church—its standards, schedule, and social aspects. Lest any person look down upon that approach to parenthood, I must say that it was the best decision ever made for me! My parents truly did what they thought was best for my sister and me, and I am thankful they encouraged us to be so involved at our church. It gave me a deep appreciation for the church and its ministries, and it also gave me a love and hunger for the things of God. Having that church influence in my home gave me the absolute best environment in which to live and grow (Joshua 24:15).

5. Growth

There are many avenues (many of which I will expound upon) that I have personally grown in because of the impact of the church in my life, and I firmly believe that kind of spiritual growth cannot be attained in any person’s life without the church! The church provides influences and opportunities that foster a love for and learning of the things of God (II Peter 3:18). Especially during a shelter-in-place order, you may notice the absence of in-person services, Sunday school classes, congregational singing, prayer meetings, etc. Our children are missing their Bible lessons from their teachers; people are not able to serve in ministries that they used to; and some have even succumbed to a more casual approach to church altogether, believing that church is not as essential as it really is. But how can one grow in the Lord without going to the house of the Lord?

6. Friends

I believe friends make one of the greatest impacts in any person’s life. Whom you choose to share your company with will affect the outcome of your life—the decisions you make, the kind of person you will marry, the kind of person you ultimately will become. So, who better to fellowship with than the people of God?! Through the years, there have been tears shed and sweet memories made with my friends—all of whom were friends I made at church and in the Christian school and college from that church. I know I would not be where I am at today without those godly friends and counselors. I am so blessed with a pastor, pastor’s wife, and church family that genuinely love and care for each other. They have truly edified my life, and I pray every day that the Lord will give my girls friends at church that will sharpen them as well (Proverbs 27:17).

7. Bible

The church is where one learns more about and from the Scriptures. At North Valley Baptist Church, the KJV Bible—the holy, inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16)—is opened in every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening service. It is taught from, read aloud, and given utmost respect. From learning little Bible verses in my preschool classes to learning biblical doctrine and truths from my pastor, I have grown so much spiritually. My life is built upon God and His Word, and I continue to learn more from the Bible at church.

8. Prayer

God’s house is a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13). I have prayed countless times at church. I have prayed alone as well with other church members. I have attended many prayer meetings at church. I have walked down the aisle during the invitation many a time to pray, get right with the Lord, ask for His help, and make a spiritual decision. I would not trade those precious moments for anything! I am so thankful for the opportunity to talk to the Lord and gather with God’s people to do so.

9. Preaching

God ordained preaching as the avenue by which Bible truth is proclaimed from the pulpit in the house of God (I Corinthians 1:21). One of the duties of the pastor is to boldly herald God’s message—to preach against sin and preach God’s Word. My pastor certainly has fulfilled that purpose and continues to do so today. Without fiery preaching at church, there would be no call to action—no conviction that could fill the hearts of sinners. I have heard so many powerful sermons at church that touched my heart and caused me to be a better Christian. I truly believe that preaching (not teaching or sharing or any soft approach) is imperative, and there is no substitute for it, especially in this day and hour.

10.  Music

Music plays such a vital role in a person’s life because it stirs the heart, and if your heart is filled with words and music that please the Lord, you will be stirred toward the things of Christ. Likewise, if your heart is filled with words and music that feed the flesh and do not exemplify Christ-likeness, your actions will follow, and you will not live to be more like Him. I loved singing at church as a young girl, and I still do today. It has really cultivated my love for the Lord, and I want the same for my family. My three-year-old daughter Jaclynne always has a sweet song in her heart because the music she hears at home is the same she hears at church. She is constantly hearing and learning psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16) with beautiful harmony that praises God. That kind of music prepares one’s heart to hear from God’s man and also strengthens his relationship with the Lord.

Share this post

Hannah Joy Reimers, North Valley Publications

Having attended North Valley since the age of three, Joy was saved and brought up in this ministry. She graduated from NVBS, married Andrew Reimers in 2014, graduated from GSBC, and joined our staff full-time as an administrative assistant for the church and North Valley Publications.