Your Local Congregation Needs You
God’s people need your presence, not your perfection.
Imperfect. Wounded. Still Called.
Over the past couple weeks, I’ve written openly about the pain some have experienced in the church… spiritual wounds, hypocrisy, disillusionment. I’ve received message after message from people who are grateful someone finally said it. Many have been encouraged. Some feel seen for the first time in a long time.
So here’s what I want to say today, especially to those who are weary:
The church needs you.
Your Congregation Isn’t Whole Without You
When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he reminded them that the body of Christ is made of many parts. Different gifts. Different roles. All needed.
Not just the polished. Not just the popular.
All.
The church isn’t a complete picture without your presence, your wisdom, your experience, even your pain.
Maybe you’ve stepped back. Maybe you feel like you don’t belong anymore. Maybe you’re afraid of being hurt again. I understand that. But your absence leaves a gap no one else can fill.
You are not optional. You are not replaceable.
Hypocrisy Doesn’t Disqualify the Church … It Reminds Us Why We Need It
You’ve seen inconsistency. So have I. You’ve watched people say one thing and live another. You’ve been disappointed. So have many others.
But hypocrisy doesn’t make the gospel untrue. It proves how deeply we need it. Because the fact remains, we all battle hypocrisy.
Jesus never excused spiritual pride, but He never abandoned people either. He stayed. He healed. He challenged. He forgave.
And He still calls us to do the same.
We don’t follow the church. We follow Christ. But we do it together, with all our baggage, flaws, and growing pains.
Your Story Isn’t a Liability … It’s a Gift
The things you’ve been through may be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Maybe your quiet presence helps someone else feel safe. Maybe your honest story helps someone else keep going.
You don’t need to be perfect to be valuable in the kingdom. You just need to show up, love well, and be real.
The church doesn’t need another performance. It needs people who have been through fire—and still believe.
We’re Not Meant to Walk Alone
Faith was never meant to be lived in isolation. From the beginning, God’s people gathered. They broke bread. They prayed. They carried one another’s burdens. They worshiped.
That hasn’t changed.
“And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
— Acts 2:47, CSB
We need each other. And someone else likely needs you—even if you don’t feel it right now.
Don’t Walk Away … We Need You
I know you’re tired. I know church hasn’t always been what it should be. But the church Jesus died for is still His. And you are still part of it.
Don’t believe the lie that you have nothing to offer.
Don’t believe the lie that your wounds disqualify you.
Don’t believe the lie that your absence doesn’t matter.
Because the church needs you.
Even in your weakness. Even in your questions. Even in your healing.
We’re not whole without you.
